This is a reproduction of a library book that was digitized by Google as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the information in books and make it universally accessible. Google books http://books.google.com Digitized by Google Digitized by GoO^lC BT BET. JOHN HUGHES, D, D. ARMBBHOP OP MEW TORE. m NEW TORE: JAMES B. KIRKEK, (Late EDWARD DUNIOAN k BROTHER,) 699 BROADWAY, (UP STAIRS.) THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY i 493054 ATTO«, LENOX ANO I TILDEN FOUNDATIONS. R 1910 L immtKD, Moordlos to Act of Conereak in to® yesr 18H If JAMES B. RIKKEE to tks Clerk 1 ® *Qoe vi the District >ur* for die Sostben District of New- York, Digitized by GoO^lC TO I vm-OLOKiocs Ain. r ibuih mabY unoi or tuiMv^ did llttlt Book ■ ■fTMBX.Y AID BMTBOmXLLT PBMAV Google I i / Digitized by Google CONTENTS. p^0| Ob the Sign of the Cross, • ••••• 11 Dedication, ...••••• S Introduction, • • 18 Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. .... 84 indulgences granted to the Confraternity of the 07 manner of saying on the beads • . . • 08 in the form of a heart, Ac., 80 wonderful fruits of devotion to the • • • 78 ftetival of the ..••••• 88 leriNO Rosary, origin of the . . • • • 61 indulgences annexed to the .... 88 rules for the establishment, direction, and manner of reciting the 88 special excellence of the 88 Scapular of out Blessed Lady of Mount Carmel . 87 Origin of the . 88 communion of merits in the Confraternity of the • 100 special protection of Mary, by wen ring the . 101 indulgences granted to the Confraternity of the • 108 Shorter Purgatory, 108 Grace of salvation.' 107 *hat they are obliged to do who wear the . 114 explanations Relative to the . : . . 117 miracles performed by virtue of the . . . 110 Scapular of our Blessed Lady of the Seven Dolors, . 187 of the Immaculate Conception, .... 188 of the Most.Holy Trinity, ..... 188 Indulgences annexed to these, 4 ml, ... 180 Scapular of the Passion, ...... 188 Indulgences annexed to the ... . 184 BubsrD Sacramrxt, Confraternity of the . . . 187 roles and instructions for members of the Confra- ternity of the 188 Indulgences granted to the members, . . • 148 ▲ prayer to be said daily by the members, . 148 A prayer to be said at the time of admission into .the fONTENTS. 4WD Sackawiwt. sets to he made at the beginning of every vlalt to the a viait to the A visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary, . A prayer to be said at the end of every visit to the Blessed Virgin, ...... Aoeary of the Blessed Sacrament on the beads, . The hoar of prayer on Holy Thursday, on Corpus Chrlsti, and on other Thursdays, . . . A devout aspiration to the Blessed Sacrament, . a visit on Holy Thursday and Good Friday to the a visit on Thursday, reciting the prayer, “Look down, O Lord/ . . ... . five acts of adoration of the .... an act of reparation and devout aspiration to the . A prayer to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Sa- cred Heart of Jesus. Backsd H kart of Jesus, devotion to .... an Invitation to an act of consecration before a picture of . . Indulgences granted to the Confraternity of an act of consecration to Meditation on the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, A prayer to the Blessed Virgin to obtain the love of Jesus, Ao, Act of the love of God by St Francis Xavier. . _ rosary of the A prayer to the Eternal Father, .... a practice of devotion tor five persona to the act of adoration to the ..... act of thanksgiving to the act of love to the act of atonement to the ...... act of petition to the . . . . . . Remarks, Act of reparation to be made on the feast itself, or at any other time, in presence of the Blessed 8acrainent, v . . a novena to the . . . • . . . prayer of St Gertrude to the .... a visit to the Litany of the another rosary of the ...... form of admission into the Confraternity of the hymn to the a prayer for the agonizing to the ... an Invitation to repair, at nine o’clock in tha fore- noon, and at four In the afternoon tc the ikCBKD H CAST or Mart, devotion to the . . • Google 8 § SliilsSss SsissssiSfrj SaaSIia Sag §ss 25 555 2 CONTENTS. fftfi* Beast or Mast — continued, tea set of reparation to the . • • • another act of reparation to the ... an act of consecration to the . . . • • another act of consecration to the ... prayer of St Gertrude to the .... prayerto the A^ch-Confraternitt of the sacred and Immaculate Heartof Mary, An act of oblation to be recited daily, Indulgences annexed to the Arch-Confraternity of the Mtraculous medal, Considerations, Office of the sacred and immaculate Heart of Mary, Blessed Virgin Mart. dedication at the time of admission into the Con- fraternities of the ■ a short act of dedication to the . a prayer for renewing the act of dedication to the < dedication of one's family to the .... Devout prayers made nse of by St Mechtildis, . Hymn by the devout Blosius to the glorious Virgin, a visit to the — Memorare, a prayer to be wiirt at the end of each visit to the . ' A prayer to obtain the love of Jesus and a happy death three short acts of dedication to the . . . a morning and evening devotion to the sanctifying the month of May in honor of the . Angelas Domini A prayer to the most holy and sorrowful Mother, doxotogy said three times a day, in honor of the glorious assumption of the .... Seven salutations to the dolorous Mother, Believing three poor persons in honor of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, ...... an aspiration in honor of the Immaculate Concep- ts™ ration in b tion of the . Three aspirations to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, . Bowing the head at the holy names of Jesus and Mary, ........ the office of the the Litany of the The Litany of the Dolorous Mother by Pope Piua VIL . Prayer to the Dolorous Mother . . . Jans Christ Crucified, a devout prayer in honor of the sacred wounds for the pious intention* of the Church, • C ON TENT *. T*m Jsm Christ Oaucmftiv— comttmutd. m a devout prayer and five Patera and Avec In m*» mory of the passion and death of . . adoration of the five imiet sacred wound* of ▲ prayer to the moat holy and sorrowful Virgin, a prayer to the five Wounds, before an image or picture of • novena made by Pope Pius V. in honor of . ^ A short prayer in honor of the five wounds, • A devout prayer to Jesus, Hoar precious Blood or J asus, a chaplet of the . the seven offerings of the another offering of the a short act of oblation of the .... Iffowr August Trinity, three devout offerings to the The Trisagion or the Canticle of the Seraphim, . A devotion, to be performed by three persona, Doxology three times a day in honor of the gk>- rfous Assumption of the B. V. Mary, . Jots or Surname Worship to Almighty God. Bosary of the love of God, acts of Faith. Hope, and Love, Indulgences atp tarhed to the Prayers and sacred |tetitions, .... An act of resignation and oonformity to the will of God, ........ Indulgences attached to the “ Come Holy Ghost," and “ Spirit Creator,” Bowing the head at the Gloria Patri, Ac. . • On the Sacrifice of the Mass, .... Imdulgrmckr, on Various prayers Ac. to which indulgences are an- nexed, 274 la Jubilee, what is required fbr obtaining .... exhortation of St Alphonsus, relating to the ap- plication of a prayer to be said before gaining a plenary . Stations, or Way or the Cross, by St Alphonsus M Da. Liguori, It. Francis or Assisium 0. Founder of the Friars Minors, the life of the three orders of rules of the Confraternity of the Cord of . . indulgences annexed to the Confraternity of . remarks relative to the Cord of . , . * a prayer to the Litany of Digitized by GoO^lC IS23SSS s si in mm § 53 $ s mmmn m CONTENTS. Iautt Fbawc® or Asmstttm CL oonUmisd. ▲ prayer in honor of the five wounds, . • ▲ devout prayer to Jesus, ..... Attn ; Dei, or the a prayer to be said dally by those who carry one Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of Jesus, . of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, . . of the Sacred Heart of Mary, . . . of tt»e Life and Passion of our Lord, of the Dolorous Virgin Mary by Pope Plus VIL of the Blessed Sacrament, of St Francis, . Hymns, Jesus invites the sinner to repentance, . Hall, thou good and gracious Mother, . . . To the Sacred Heart of Jesus, .... Another hymn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus My God, I love thee not because, . . / . Oerw helmed in depths of woe upon the tree, Jbe. Holy Communion, hymns for u Peccator ad Christum,” Chrfstos#d peocatorem, ..... desire of the hour befbre ....... Oh I blessed Jesus come to me, Ac. . • Holy Communion, ...... thanksgiving after Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all, Ac. . a prayer to be said for three days before . a prayer to be saH for three days after . . On ftequent Communion, ▲ prayer for our pastors or confessors, A Csoss composed of hymns and prayers, Pum Association, for the Conversion of all who are out of the communion of the Cfcurch in the United States , PlAYKB BKPORX MlM Pxayxks at Mass Putin arn Mam , d by Google . Isis mmmm&mmmmann i Digitized by Google x \ Why do Catholios nuke the sign of the Cross upon them* •elves, and why is it so frequently used in the Church service ? Because it is a brief profession of the Christian Frith, and its use is derived by universal tradition from the Apostles. How is it a profession of our Frith ? As often as we make the sign of the Cross, repeating at the same time these words: “ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” — we profess ourselves followers ofc and believers in redemp- tion by the Cross, and we at the same time profess our Faith in the three persons of the Adorable Trinity. How do you pro e that the use of this sign is as ancient as the Church itself? From the testimony of the early fethers and writers : w At the commencement of all our actions, whether we come in or go out ; whether we go to dress, to the bath, to the table.ortorest.Ac. / let us always begin by making the sign of the Cross on our foreheads. Tills practice is . not commanded by a formal lawof the Scrip- ture, but tradition has taught it, custom « nfirms it, and frith observeftit/ Tertnl. de corona, cap. 4 Cur Lord himself ceils it the Stern of the Son at Man. 8t Matt xxiv. SO. It is the' badge of all good Christians, represented by the letter Tau, (8t Hierotn upon Ezek. ix. 4 ) ordered to be - ^ set as a mark upon the foreheads of those that were to escape the wrath of God. Ezek. fat L It was given by oar Lord to Constantine, as a token •ad assurance of victory, when he and his whole army in tbeb march against the tyrant Maxentius, saw a cr< «s formed of purs light above the Ban with this inscription : u Br this oonqukb. 1 * 11 Digitized by Google Digitized by GoO^lC I f INTRODUCTION. II wort of our eternal salvation, being a business ' the greatest importance, and the one thing ne» ■sary, of which our Saviour speaks, (Luke x. 42,) e ought solicitously to lay hold on all those leans and helps with which God of his infinite lercy hath been pleased to furnish us; for the promoting of so mighty an affair, conformable to rhat the Apostle exhorts us, (2 Peter, L 10,) ‘Wherefore, brethren, labor the more,” do whet- her lies in your power, “ that by good works you lay make^sure your calling and election.” Amongst many spiritual inventions which the loly Ghost hath suggested to the Church, and rhich are now in practice among good Catholics, bat of religious Confraternities, or Sodalities, ught principally to be noted; in which many ious persons unite themselves together for God’s lory, and the salvation of their souls, in the prae- Ice of virtuous and devout actions. They do, in a ery particular manner, of many members become ne mystical body; insomuch that each member is y a mutual communication made participant of he prajrers, sacrifices, fastings, alms, mortifies- D, git, zec^y GoOgle INTRODUCTION. tfona, and generally of all the good works aai meritorious actions of all the other members ; fros which common affinity, and communication, with out doubt many great benefits do accrue. For H a well-arranged army, each soldier singly maj easily be vanquished by the enemy ; and, never theless, by the general conjunction of them all on* with another, the files are rendered compact, thj battalions strong, and the army invincible. 8q likewise, it happens in the spiritual warfare of oul souls against the devil, the world, and the flesh, our sworn enemies; in which those who fight x alone, although it be under Christ's banner, and that; perhaps, with much valor and generosity; nevertheless, every one is put to try his strength by himself, to combat his adversaries hand to hand, and wrestle against his enemies with his own single force ; whereas, in those holy confraternities, the ability of the one is so knit with the ability of the rest, and the good works of all are so common to every one in particular, that they are all fortified and enabled, not only by their own forces, but by each other's strength and assistance; insomuch, that partly by the benefit which every one doth reap from his own private endeavors, and partly by the great benefits which arise from the com- munion of merits, persons do ordinarily, in those devout congregations, make so great a progress in virtue, in a short time, that they become not only 14 .Digitized by GoOgle orraoDucnoN. Invincible, but alto formidable to their infernal enemies, and are known to abound with many celestial graces and benedictions. Our Blessed Saviour assures us in the Gospel, that where two or three are assembled in his name, there he will be in the midst of them, to bear their prayers and to grant their requests. In the same Gospel, He says : “ If two of you shall consent upon earth concerning any thing whatso- ever they shall ask, it shall be done to them by My Father who is in Heaven.” Ifj then, the unani- mous prayer of two or three be so powerful, how much more powerful must the united prayers of a numerous assembly be I Will they not be able to carry the kingdom of Heaven by this holy vio- lence to God's infinite mercy ! An assembly of Christians associated in this manner, and pray- ing together with united hearts, is like unto an army that storms a city by violence, and carries all before it Their mutual and common prayers serve to make the particular prayers, which are thereto joined, mount up to Heaven and reach the throne of God, as a river serves to carry a drop of water to the ocean, though by itself it would never be able to reach so far. St Alphonsus Liguori says : “Borne persons die-* approve of confraternities, saying they give rise to eelfantion, and that many join them for human ends. . But as the Church and the sacraments are 16 INTRODU CTIOIf, Hot condemned because there are many who afcoM them, neither should we eondemn the confraterni- ties. The sovereign pontiffs, instead of condemn- ing them, have approved and highly commended them, and enriched them with indulgences. St; Francis of Sales earnestly exhorts laymen to enter into the confraternities. What did not St. Charles Borromeo do to establish and multiply these soda* lities f And in his synods he distinctly intimates to confessors that they should endeavor to induce their penitents to join them. And with reason, for these confraternities, especially those of our Lady, are like so many arks of Noe, in which the poor people of the world may find refuge from the deluge of temptations and sins which inundate them in it. We well learn, in the course of our missions, the utility of these confraternities Speaking exactly, there are found more sins in a man who does not belong to the confraternities than in twenty who frequent them.** Besides, to these congregations special promises have been given, or special assistance granted, by onr Blessed Mother herself; for instance, to that of the congregation of Mount Cartnel, and to the Arch-Confraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to which such an amazing number of con- spicuous miracles have been accorded of lots years. The children of Mary are already aware that, in order to be entitled to her special proto* II Digitized by GoOgle INTRODUCTION. tfoo, it is not sufficient to be punctual and constant to the observance of any outward form of prayer, Silica* as our Saviour declares in the Gospel, “ Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of my Father who is in Heaven.” Above ab things the commandments of God must be strictly observed, and the essential duties of religion must be complied with. Duty must be preferred to counsel, and works of precept must go before works of supererogation ; the one must necessarily hedone, and the other is not to be omitted. The members of a confraternity must not be content then with wearing the badge of piety whereby it is distinguished ; they must not flatter themselves With the notion that their names are written in the book of life because they are enrolled in the book of the confraternity. It is, moreover, neces- sary to be animated with the interior spirit of piety, and to be as truly virtuous in the sight of God as they appear to be in the eyes of the world. They are to take particular care not to bring de- letion into contempt, nor to dishonor a sacred Bvery by the immorality of their lives, but to look upon it as a continual monitor, to conduct them- selves with edification, and to promote the honor S&d glory of God by their word and example. -.But to decry and run down these holy con fra. Unities, on account of the unavoidable weak Digitized by Google INTRODUCTION, •esses of tome individuals, who perhaps sometime* abuse them, belongs only to the emissaries of who make it their business to withdraw the faith ful from the service of God, and hinder the pra* tice of good works, for which they themselves have no relish. We will conclude, then, in the words of St Francis of Sales : “ Enter, then, willingly into the confraternities of the place in which you reside^ and especially those whose exercises are the moet productive of fruit and edification, as in so doing you practise a sort of obedience acceptable to God; for, although these confraternities are not com- manded, they are nevertheless recommended by the Church, which, to testify her approbation of them, grants indulgences and other privileges to such as enter them. Besides, it is very laudable to concur and co-operate with many in their good designs; for although we might perform as good exercises alone, as in the company of a confrater nity, and perhaps take more pleasure in performing them in private, yet God is more glorified by the union and contribution we make of our goqd works with those of our brethren and neighbor*” OH THE ROSARY OF THX ^Irsstlr ®irp: Harg. The Rosary is a pious and most excellent form of prayer, so much esteemed by the most learned and holy servants of God, as to be styled by one among the rest, “ An abridgment of the Gospel, a history of the life, sufferings, and triumphant victory of Jesus Christ, and an exposition of all our Redeemer did -in the flesh, which he assumed for our salvation.” It was introduced by St. Dominic,* about the beginning of the Thirteenth Century. It consists of fifteen Our Fathers, one hundred and fifty Hail Marys, and fifteen Glorias, to commemorate the fifteen principal mysteries of our Redeemer’s sacred life, and also to honor his blessed Mother, who had so great a share in all that concerned her deal • Sm Lira of the Batata, Angart 40t^ Digitized by GoOgle ON THE ROSARY 07 Son. Besides, in saying the Rosary, wa always begin with the Apostles’ Owed, the Lord’s Prayer, three Hail Marys, and Glory be to the Father. It is a most sublime form of prayer, be- cause it is composed of the most holy and excellent prayers that were ever conceived or pronounced ; and it is also most profita- ble, because these prayers from their Divine Origin are more pleasing and acceptable to God flban all other prayers put together. ’ The first is the Lord's Prayer, that hear ▼only form of prayer left us by our Re- deemer, drawn up not by angels or saints, but by Jesus Christ himself, in which he deigned to teach us how we ought to pray. In this one prayer, which is so short and so easy, is contained not only all that we should ask for, but also, all the sublime acts of adoration, praise, thanksgiving, love, and confidence, comprised in all other books of devotion which were ever written, all other prayers being only a paraphrase or explana- tion of the Lord’s Prayer. The second is the Hail Mary , the first part of which was composed in heaven, die* tated by the Holy Ghost, and delivered to the faithful by the angel Gabriel ; the second E art was composed by St. Elizabeth inspired y the Holy Ghost ; and the third part was THE BLESSED VIE. Gilt. X Idl *dded \j onr holy Mother the Church at 1 the General Council of Ephesus. • The third is the Glory be to the Father , % sacred verse, which contains an act of supreme adoration to the ever-blessed Tri nity, and presents to the Majesty of God, not the glory which proceeds from the weak praises of his creatures, nor even the glory that results to God fro n all the labors and great actions of the saints, but that eternal glory which the Almighty, as God, possesses iji and by himself, which he has enjoyed from the beginning, and will enjoy for eter- nity, and which depends so little on his creatures that it would not be diminished if all mankind were destroyed. When we reflect on the sublime excellence of these prftyers, which are the first we learn, and sometimes the last we understand, we perceive not only the sanctity of the Rosary, , which is composed of such prayers, but also the respect, humility, confidence, and devo- tion, with which it should be said. It is a most powerful means to obtain favors from God, when said with proper dis- positions. What motives can incline him more to mercy than those drawn from the great mysteries of our redemption by Jesus vhrist, m whom, and for whose sake alone, , We can receive any favor from God ? How i by Google ,o * ON THE ROSART OF ; man j public favors, attested bj the Chotfk [ in her publio offices, have been obtained by this means 1 How many private graces are recorded to have been received from the same source ! St. Francis of Sales, in attes- tation of its efficacy, says : — “ The Beads are a most profitable way of praying, if you know how to say them properly.” And we find it daily practised, highly praised, and recommended by the most eminent Saints in the Church of Christ. It has been strongly recommended to the faithful by many popes, who, to encourage us to practise it, have granted great indulgences to those who do so. It is divided into fifteen decades, or tens, corresponding with the fifteen mysteries of our Redemption : each decade oonsists of the Lord’s Prayer, ten Hail Marys, and Glory be to the Father. These fifteen are divided into three parts, vis., the five joyful, the five sorrowful, and the five glorious mys- > teries, as follow : The Five Joyful Mysteries, via., The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, The Finding in the Temple, are to be said on Mondays and Thursday* THU BLESSED VIRGIN. throughout the jeer; and daily from the first Sunday in Advent until the feast of the Purification. The Five Sorrowfhl Mysteries, viz., iThe Bloody Sweat, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning withicThofns, The Carriage of the Cross, The Crucifixion, are to be said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year ; and daily from Ash- Wednesday until Easter-Sunday. The Five Glorious Mysteries, viz., The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Coming of the Holy Ghost, The Assumption of our Blessed Lady, The Coronation of our Blessed Lady, are to be said on the ordinary Sunday s, and the Wednesdays and Saturdays through* out the year ; and daily from Easter-Sunday until Trinity-Sunday. HA— Those who say the Roeary on the Beads, without a should commit the mysteries to memory. ed by Google THE EOSARY OF THE &Dsnn( nf tire SHmbfIi Virgin 3finnf. F. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is «nth thee. R. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. F. Thou, 0 Lord, wilt open my lips. R. And my tongue shall announce thy praise. F. Incline unto my aid, 0 God. R. 0 Lord, make haste to help me. F. Glory be to the Father, &c. Alleluia.* Say the Apostles* Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and ths Orel following Ifail Mary * . Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesu& Who may increase our Faith. Holy Mary • Prom Septuagesima Sunday until Easter, instead of M AI» lelnia,” a»y. Praise be to thee, 0 Lord, King of Eternal Glory. (Septuagesima Sunday is three weeks before the first Sunday M Digitized Google THB &Lbss£d vmouv. Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. ' Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesusi Who may strengthen our Hope. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Who may enliven our Charity. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the be- ginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. THE &OSAE1 or (See p. 22.) The First Joyful Mystery. THE MEDITATION. Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the Angel Gabriel saluted our blessed Lady with the title “ Full of Grace,” and declared unto her the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. THS BtSSSSD vaom. Our Father, dbc. (once.) Hail Mary (ten times) as follows : Hail, Mary, fall of grace, the Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, who was made man for us* Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, &c. (once.) Let us Fray . O Holy Mary, Queen of Virgins, through the most high mystery of the Incarna- tion of thy beloved Son, our Lord Je- sus Christ, wherein our salvation was be- gun, obtain for us through thy most holy intercession, light to understand the greatr ness of the benefit he hath bestowed upon us, in vouchsafing to become our Brother, and giving thee, his own beloved Mother, to be our Mother also. Amen. • Those who answer the Rosary eomnrenee at the aboT% md mj Holy Mary, fca, as ftsa&L *T Z ed by Google THE BOUXt'O* The Second Joyftal Kyetery. The Visitation. THE MEDITATION. Let us contemplate in this mystery how the blessed Virgin Mary, understanding from the Angel, that her cousin, St. Eliza* beth, had conceived, went with haste into the mountains of Judea to visit her, and re m&ined with her three months. ^dby'Google THB; BLS8SED VmOHf., \ Our Father, Ac. (once.) Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with . tbee ; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, whom thou didst carry to St. Elizabeth's Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for ns [ sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. ( ten times.) Glory be to the Father, &c. (once.) K ^tFHc Let us Pray. ioly Virgin, most spotless mirror of humility ; by that exceeding charity, which moved thee to visit thy cousin St. Eliza- beth, obtain for us by thy intercession, that our hearts may be so visited by thy most holy Son, that being free from all sin,, we may praise him and give him thanks for . Amen. « i by Google The Nativity. THE MEDITATION. Let ns contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, when the time of her delivery was come, brought forth our Redeemer Christ Jesus at midnight and laid him in a manger , because there was no room for him in the inns at Bethlehem. THB BUMMED VlEOtM. Our Father, dbe. {once.) I ’ail, Mary, fall of grace, the Lord ie . thee ; blessed art thou amongst women, Jrtessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, i was bom in a stable for us. ^ply Mary, Mother of God, pray for us s, now and at the hour of our death. (ten times.) ory be to the Father, &c. (once.) Let : us Pray. most pure Mother of God, by thy vir- ginal and most joyful delivery, in which thou gavest unto the world, thy only Son, our Saviour, we beseech thee obtain for us by thy intercession, grace to lead such pure and holy lives in this world, that we may worthily sing without ceasing both d^y and night, the mercies of thy Son, and his bene to to ns by thee. Amen. Digitized by Google THE ROSARY OF The Fourth Joyful Mystery. The Presentation, THE MEDITATION. Let us contemplate in this mystery, how. the most blessed Virgin Mary, on the day* of her purification, presented the child Je sue in the temple,: where holy Simeon, gir ing thanks to God with great devotion, re ceired him into his arms. th * vim w> y* al *' Our father, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, alow, and at the hour of our death. Amen, (tot times.) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, &o . (once.) Let us Pray. * © holy Mary, Mother of God, as the body of thy blessed Son was for us extended on the Cross, so may our desires be daily more and more stretched out in his service, and our hearts wounded with compassion for hi#most bitter passion. And thou, O most blessed Virgin, graciously vouchsafe to help us to accomplish the work of our salvation, by thy powerful intercession. Amen. Hail, Holy Queen, &c., as on page 56. Digitized by G00gle TH1 EOSABT OF €]{t Jfibt (Mons (S«p.») The First Glorious Mystery. 1 he Resurrection. THE MEDITATION. • Let ns contemplate, in this Mystery, hen onr Lord Jesus Christ, triumphing glori- ously over death, rose again the third day, immortal and impassible. ed by Google THE BLESSED VIEGIH. Our Father, &c. {once.) Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord ifl with thee : blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, arose again from the dead. Holy j , Mother of God, pray for us sinners, and at the hour of our death. Amen. \ times.) iHory be to the Father, and to the Son, i^once.) Let us Pray . 49 glorious Virgin Mary, by that unspeak- joy thou receivedst m the resurrection 'Wf 4h y only beloved Son ; we beseech thee, obtain of him for us, that our hearts may never go astray after the false joys of this world, nut may be ever and wholly employed in the pursuit of the only true and solid of heaven. Amen. Digitized Google The Aicension. THE MEDITATION. Let us contemplate, in this Mystery, bow our Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after his resurrection, ascended into heaven, attended by angels, in sight of his most holy Mother, and his Apostles and Disciples, 10 the great admiration of them alL 48 tized by Google Om Filfcer, 1 * Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord ii frith thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, who ascended into heaven. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen, (ten times.) Glory be to the Father and to the Son, 4*. (once.) Let us Pray. y j O Mother of God, comfort of the afflict- ed, as thy beloved Son, when he ascended into heaven, lifted up his hands and blessed his apostles, so vouchsafe, most holy Mo- ther, to lift up thy pure hands to him for as^that we may epjoy the benefits of his blessing, here on earth, and hereafter in heaven. Amen. «•> Digitized by Google The Docent of the Holy Ghost . THE MEDITATION. Let ns contemplate, in this Mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, being seated on the right hand of God, sent, as he had promised, the Holy Ghost upon his apostles; who, after he was ascended, returning to Jeru- salem, continued in prayer and supplication with the Blessed Virgin Mary, expecting tne performance of his promise. m THE BLESSED VT&GlBu Our Father, dtfc. (once.) Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord ii with thee : blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus toko sent the Holy Ghost. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen, (ten times.) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, jke. (once.) . Let us Pray . 0 Sacred Virgin, tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, we beseech thee obtain, by thy inter- cession, that this most sweet Comforter, whom thy beloved son sent down upon his apostles, filling^hem thereby with spiritual joy, may teach us in this world the true way of salvation, and make us wait in the paths of virtue and good works. Amen. TM SO&ART Or The Fourth Glorious Mystery, The Auumption of the B. V, Mary into Heaven, THE MEDITATION. Let us contemplate, in this Mystery, how the glorious Virgin Mary, twelve years after the resurrection of her Son, passed out of this world unto him, and was by him as- sumed into heaven, accompanied by the holy angels. tb» VLt&mb monr. Our Father, Ati. (once.) V Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is #fth thee : blessed art thou amongst women, jmd blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, who assumed thee into heaven. Hofy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, How, and at the hour of our death. Amen. (ten times.) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, &o. (once.) Let us Pray. 0 most prudent Virgin, who entering into the heavenly palace, didst fill the holy an- gels with joy and man with hope, vouchsafe to intercede for us at the hour of our death, that, free from the illusions and temptations of ihe devil, we may joyfully and securefy C ss out of this temporal state, to enjoy the ppiness of eternal life. Amen. * Digitized by GoO^lC Ttve Coronation of the Blessed Virgin, . THE MEDITATION. Lot us contemplate) in this Mystery, bow the glorious Virgin Mary was, with great jubilee and exultation of the whole court of heaven, and particular glory of all the saints, crowned by her son with the bright- est diadem of glory. Our Father, &c. (once.) rax blessed vnuzov. Hail, Mary, fall of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, who crouched thee in Heaven . Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen, (lap times.) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the be* ginning, is now, and ever shall be, one God world without end. Amen, (once.) Let us Pray. 0 Glorious Queen of all the heavenly citi- sens, we beseech thee, accept this Rosary, which, as a crown of roses, we offer at thy feet ; and grant, most gracious Lady, that by thy intercession, our souls may be inflamed with so ardent a desire of seeing tboe so gloriously crowned, that it may never die in ns, until it shall be changed into the happy fruition of thy blessed sight. Amen. Digitized by Google THK ROSARY OF TWE BLE8SCD VIRGIN. : f ' ' SALVE R Earn A. * Hail ! Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, oft Kfe, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning fend weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, 0 most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us j and after this pur exile is ended, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 0 clement ! 0 pious ! 0 sweet Virgin Mary ! V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ Let us Pray . 0 God, whose only begotten Son, by hie life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that meditating upon these mysteries, in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise? through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Hear, 0 merciful God, the prayers of thy poor servants, that we who meet together in the Society of the most holy Rosary of mtmuamcm att xckbd to the stout?. the Blessed Virgin, If other of God, may, through her intercession, be delivered by thee from the dangers that continually hang over us, through Jesus Christ our Lora. Amen. The IiUnj of the Blessed Virgin (jpag$ 88. X INDULGENCES ATTACHED TO THE ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. If those who are admitted into the Con- fraternity of the Rosary say, at least once a week, the whole Rosary, meditating at the same time on the mysteries of the life, pas- sion, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus tihnst, they may gain a plenary indulgence . 1. On the day of their reception ; ! 2. On the first Sunday of every month ; 3. On the principal feasts of the Blessed Virgin 'Mary ; provided they visit, if possible, the Church or Chapel of the Rosary; 4. At the hour of death ; T# gala the above indulgences, it is necessary that they gHttld devoutly Approach the sacraments of Penance and too Weened Euolianst, and offer up some prayers to Ood, on Hi# iaj of snob communion, for the usual intentions. 6. An indulgence of one hundred day? for each Our Father, and each Hau w Digitized by GoO^lC BANNER OF 8ATQIO TjXS R06ARY. Mary , every time they recite Hie whole Rosary, or a third part of UL N. BL— 1 Those who are not capable of meditating, may gain the above indulgence by reciting the Rosary with devotion. THE MANNER OF SAYING THE ROSARY ON THE BEADS.* On the croee, say The Apostles’ Creed. On the next large bead, and on every large bead, ay The Lord’s Prayer. On the next three small beads, Bey Three Hail Marys, as they are said on pages 24 & 25. After these, and at the end of every decade, any Glory be to the Father, &c. Say the Hail Marys In the fifteen decadet as they art laid In the preceding Roeary ; that is, after the holy name of Jesus, in tne middle of each Hail Maiy, ex- press in each decade, reepeetively, one of the fifteen following sentences: I. — In the Joyful Mysteries , say % 1. Who WAS MADE MAN for US. 2. Whom thou didst carry to St. Eliza* beth’s. P The Beads should be blessed by a priest who' 1 — of attaching indulgences to them. g P The Be* 3y Google KANKEB. 07 8AYDVO THE KOIAKTi _ 8 . Who was born in a stable for ns. 4, ^ bo was presented in the temple for ns 5. Whom thou didst find in the temple. II. — In the Sorrowful Mysteries , say. 1. Who sweated blood for ns. „ 2. Who was scourged for ns. 3. Who was crowned with thorns for ns. 4. Who carried the hdavy cross for ns. 5. Who was crncified and died for ns. III. — In the Glorious Mysteries , say f 1. Who arose from the dead. 2. Who ascended into Heaven. i 3. Who sent the Holy Ghost. 4 Who assumed thee into Heaves. S. Who crowned thee in Heaven. TOT LIVING R0SAR*. r ©rigm of i\t filling f ossrj. a&gB admirable devotion entitled “ The Jiving Rosary,” commenced in the city of Lyons, in the year 1826. It owes its origin to the same pious individual, whom the Lord had chosen four years before to be the found f ress of that great work of religion, the As- sociation for the Propagation of the Faith. &A few years after the devotion had beer Established, it attracted the attention of wdinal Lambroschini, who was then Nun- cfcof the Holy See in France. On his way thitBigh Lyons, the Cardinal had an oppor- tunity of making himself acquainted with » the forms and rules of the devotion, and was delighted to witness the abundant fruits of virtue which it had already produced. Hav- ing returned to Rome, he gave an account of it to his late holiness, Pope Gregory XV I., who was graciously pleased to give it his solemn sanction and approbation, and to i issue, in confirmation of it, a brief containing 2 the following Indulgences: They who belong to a Society of the Living Rosary, and recite the part of the Z ed by Google TfTR MV) NO ROSART. Rosary assigned to them, may gain a Ple- nary Indulgence : | 1. On the first, festival after their adndfr sion ; 2. On the third Sunday in each month ; 3- On the solemn feasts of Christmas, the Epiphany, the Circumcision, Easier, the Ascension, Corpus Christi, Pente- cost, and Trinity Sunday ; also, tipoifc all the festivals of the Blessed Vir- gin, provided on those days they ap- proach devoutly the sacraments of Penance and the holy Eucharist, a&d offer up some prayers in a church. Then* indulgences may be rained by those who are lawfully prevented from going to ebarch, provided they perform •ome other work of piety enbsiitatoa by their confessor. 4. An indulgence of one hundred days, every time they recite’ their part<*f the Rosary during the week ; and an indulgence of seven years and seven times forty days, every time theyje- cite it on Sundays and festivals. The above plenary indulgences are applicable to the tali In Purgatory. N. B.— The indnlgenoee attached to the reettal of the Rcme fee alee attached to the Living Roeary. - Digitized by Google RULES OR TUB LIVING R08ARY. RULES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND D1 RECTION OF SODALITIES, AND THE MAN- HER OF RECITING THE LIVING ROSARY. What is so particularly admirable in tbs devotion of the Living Rosary is, that, combining as it does a number of souls in the exercise of piety, and the fervent prac- tice of virtue, it requires very little of the members individually, whilst it secures to each a full participation in all the advantages and merit of the sodality which they form. This will appear from considering the man- ner in which the devotion is carried on, which is as follows : — Fifteen persons unite, and having formed ^themselves into a company or circle, they 1 divide amongst each other the fifteen mys- teries of the Rosary of the Elessed Virgin, assigning by lot one mystery to each. Thus, by reciting each a decade, or one Pater and ten Aves , with a Gloria Fatri every day, in honor of their respective mys teries, the daily recitation of the entire Ro» • T *y, is constantly kept up by the circle. A number of circles united under a clergyman, as director, constitutes a sodality. The following observances have been Digitized by Google RUtES or TBS . . ,t drawn up for the establishment and direc- tion of sneh sodalities. They have the re- commendation of experience, as they have been already acted upon, and have proved, at once, simple and exceedingly effective in their operation : — 1st.* — A clergyman purposing to establish a sodality, should procure a few pious per- sons in the first instance, who would give their assistance in forming the circlee, or companies, as above, and remain afterwards the representatives of these circles. 2d. — After having explained the devo- tion to the representatives , and having in- formed them of his intention to establish it, be should provide them with a number of prospectuses containing a brief account of - the devotion. 3d. — These preliminary arrangements be- ing made, the next step to be taken, is to introduce the devotion to the faithful at large, and to explain the manner in which it is practised, together with the arrangements already made for the formation of the circles, of which the sodality is to be com- posed. 4th. — The people being now informed of the devotion, the representatives are to pro* qeed to form the circles, in doing which they W»U be greatly assisted by the following rul* Digitized by GoO^lC LIVING ROSARY. 5th. — Each representative is in the Aral instance to find two other associates, and c then the three thus associated, obtain eaeh four additional members, thus completing the circle. 6th. — The' representatives take a list of the members of their respective circles, which they hand in to the secretary of the sodality, in order to be entered in a register kept for that purpose. 7th. — The secretary should be careful to keep the circles distinct in the register, and to note down the representatives of each. 8th. — For the correct keeping of the re- gister, the representatives should give notice as soon as possible to the secretary of any changes or substitution of names, that may from time to time occur in their circles, that he may be thereby enabled to make the ne- cessary corrections in the register. 9th. — A number of circles being thus formed, there is a mystery off the Rosary, together with the corresponding virtue, and a patron saint from the calendar of the month allotted to each member on the first Sunday of each month. 10th. — The members are apprised of the mysteries, together with the virtues and earnts allotted to them, by means of printed tickets, one of whioh is drawn for each mesa- 5 Digitized by GoOgle RULES OF THE ber, and forwarded by the secretary throng! the representatives. 1 1th. — The members, having received their tickets, which are forwarded immedi ately after being drawn, take a few moments every day during the month to reflect on the mysteries assigned them respectively. Thej then recite one Pater, ten Aves , and one Gloria Patri , in honor of these mysteries and to obtain of God, through the internet sion of the Blessed Virgin, the grace of the corresponding virtues. They also unite their own co operation by taking some par* ticuiar occasions for the more fervent prac* tice of these virtues. 12th. — The reflection on the mysteries may be greatly facilitated, particularly in the case of persons not accustomed to medita- tion, by reading the reflections, and by ex- pressing the mystery itself, on which we meditate, in the middle of each Hail Mary , immediately after the name of Jesus, as shown before. 13th. — The members conclude this daily devotion by invoking their patrons, and im- ploring their intercession. 14th. — The members to whom the first Joyful Mystery is allotted, recite, moreover, the Credo, Pater, and three Aves, which precede the Rosary; and at the conclusion 06 Digitized by GoOgle LIVING EC .ART. of his decade each member of the t circle re* cites this short prayer : — “ May the Divine Heart of Jesus , and the Immaculate Heart of Mary , be ever known loved , honored , and imitated in all placee throughout the world” 15th. — The Adorable Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the spiritual and tem- poral welfare of the members, and for the extension of the sodality, on the third Sun- day of every month, the day of the monthly plenary indulgence. 16th. — The representatives, on the de- livery of the tickets, receive the monthly donations of the members, and hand in the amount to the secretary, on the second Sun- day of each month. 17th. — The donations are applied to de- fray the necessary expenses of the sodality, for printing, stationery, &c., &c., and any surplus that may be in hand, is to form a fund for the purpose of providing vestments, and other requisites for the service of the altar, &c. The donation is only one penny per month in Ireland, and six cents a month in the United States. By thus contributing to the respectability of divine worship, the members will have thJe merit of promoting an object most dear to the Almighty. If the Lord was pleased to Digitized by GoOgle ^ SPECIAL EXCELLENCE 07 furnish the model of the ancient Mbernacle, and minutely to define all its ornaments, together with the style and quality of the vestments to be used in his service under the Mosaic dispensation, much more de- sirous, unquestionably, must he be, that the^ august rites and mysteries of the religion o» his divine Son, which gives reality to the figure, and substance to the shade, should be administered with suitable pomp and mag* nificenee. u For if that which was dons away was glorious , much more that which remainethis in glory " — 2 Cor. iii. 11 SPECIAL EXCELLENCE OF THE ^tiring ^osarj. The Living Rosary is substantially the same devotion as the ordinary Rosary, it consequently possesses all its excellence and advantages ; and differs from it only in the manner of reciting it. But entirely dis- tinct from these, it derives a special excel- lence, and special advantages from the peci*- liar manner in which it is recited. Ittythe first place, as the portion of the i by Google THE LTV ING B ISAET. {Umary, which each person has to recite, according to the rules of the Living Ro- tary y is so very small, there is thereby an inducement for a greater number to unite in it. Many allege that the ordinary Rosary is too long, ana that their occupations ana duties allow them not -time enough to say it* Hence it is that the Rosary is practised only by very few : in fact it may be said to be confined as a daily devotion to reli- gious communities. But when it is divided according to the plan of the Living Ro> tary , amongst a circle of fifteen associates, each of whom has to recite only one decade, this excuse is at once removed, and hun- dreds are disposed to unite in the devotion. What, then, is the practical result? The practical result is, that for every circle of fifteen, who unite in the Living Rosary , so many full and entire Rosaries are said every day, and said by those who would, perhaps, never say a single Rosary by themselves. A farther advantage of the Living Ro- tary is, that it unites a number of individu- als in the holy exercise of prayer. This advantage is specially noticed by his late Holiness in the Brief approving the devo- tion. “The devotion,” observes the Holy Father of the faithful, “ acquiring m some Digitized by G00gle SPECIAL EXCELLENCE 07 Bort increased efficacy, from such a union of suppliants. it must necessarily be mori agreeable to God, who, implored by com- mon entreaty, is moved to commiseration and favor.” Every circle comprises a union of fifteen members, and we have only to consider a number of such circles every day reciting so many Rosaries; that is, every day commemorating the great and adorable mysteries of our faith, those prodi- gies which divine power, goodness, and mer- cy have wrought for our salvation ; every day addressing the Eternal Father, so often in that form *of prayer, which was dictated by his divine Son as most acceptable to him, and most suited to our manifold wants; every day imploring the patronage and intercession of the Mother of God, and uniting with the blessed in heaven in their homages of praise and adoration to the most Holy Trinity. We have only to consider this accumulation of devotion and piety, and we must be impressed with the highest idea of its efficacy with the great Author of grace and mercy. In consequence, like- wise, of this union of prayer which the Li/th ing Rosary establishes between the mem- bers, they are made partakers in the merits and fhiito of each other’s petitions. Just as when a number of persons combine to coin- Digitized by G00gle THE LIVING ROSARY. nit a bad act, each and every individual of the number is guilty to the entire amount of culpability attached to the crime, in which they are jointly concerned; so also when a number of persons unite in an act pleasing to God, each and every one of the number is entitled to reward, to the full and entire extent of merit attached to such an act. In the application of this principle to die Living Rosary , how consoling and en- couraging must it not be to the members to be able to assure themselves, that though they are required by the rules of the devo- tion to recite only one decade, they have the full merit of the entire Rosary recited by the circle to which they respectively be- long. Every true Christian, diffident as he should be in the merit of his own endeavors, should be delighted to join in a devotion wherein he may make up for his own defh ciencies, by the merit and efficacy of the prayers of others. It is not, then, a matter of surprise, that the Supreme Pastor of the faithful, in the plenitude of his power as Vicegerent of Je- sus Christ, should be induced in considera- tion of such precious and extensive advan- tages, to open the treasury of the Church, and to enrich the Living Rosary with the numerous indulgences which he has attaoh n DEDICATION 07 ONE S SELF ed to it. In considering the number and ex* tent of these indulgences, the faithful are furnished with the strongest inducement to join in the practice of a devotion, whereby they may expiate the temporal punishment^ which ordinarily remains due to sin after the eternal punishment which it deserved i a remitted in the sacrament of Penance. DEDICATION OF ONE’S SELF TO THE BLESS- ED VIRGIN MARY, TO BE MADE AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION INTO HER CONFRA- TERNITIES. Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God I, N. N., though most unworthy of be- ing thy servant, yet moved by thy admi- rable virtue, and with a desire of serving thee, choose thee, this day, in presence or my guardian Angel, and the whole court of Heaven, for my Patroness, Queen, Advo oate, and Mother. I firmly purpose always to love thee, and to serve thee for the time to come, and to do all in my power to make Others love and serve thee also. I beg of thee, 0 Mother of God, and my most merciful and amiable Mother, through is Digitized by G00gk TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MART. flhe Wood of thy divine Son, shed for met to receive me into the number of those who ere devoted to thee, as thy child and perpe- tual servant. Assist me in all my thoughts, words, and actions, and in all the moments of my life, so that every step I take, and every breath I draw, may be directed to the greater glory of my God. Grant, that through thy powerful intercession, I may never more offend my beloved Jesus, but may glorify and love him in this life, and that 1 may love thee also, so that with thee I may enjoy him in the heavenly Paradise. Amen. Mary, my Mother, I recommend my soul to thy blessed care now, but especially at the hour of my death. A Shorter Act of Dedication. Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God ! I N. N., choose thee this day for my Mother, Queen, Advocate and Patroness ; and I firmly resolve and purpose never to depart, either by word or action, from the duty I owe thee, nor to suffer those committed to my charge to say or do any thing against thy honor. Receive me, therefore, as thy servant for ever ; assist me in all the ac- tions of my life, and forsake me not at the hour of my death. Amen. Z ed by Google vs PRATER FOR DEDICATION > ▲ PRAYER FOR RENEWING THE DEDICA- TION OF ONE'S SELF TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. / 0 Mary, most pure Virgin, and most holy Mother of God, I revere thy saered name. I acknowledge myself unworthy of the honor of being admitted into the num? ber of thy devoted servants and faithful clients. Relying, however, on thy admira- ble piety and exceeding great goodness, and moved by a sincere desire of paying thee due respect and service, I renew this day, before God, and in the presence of thy most chaste spouse, St. Joseph, in the presence of my guardian Angel, and the whole court of Heaven, the choice I have hitherto made of thee, as my peculiar and special Patron- ess and Mother. I firmly purpose to honor and serve thee henceforward as such, and I will use my endeavors, that others may likewise devote themselves to thee, and may render thee due honor, respect, and service 1 place myself under thy powerful pa tronage, 0 most clement Mother, and mos earnestly entreat thee, through the infinitr merits of thy divine Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, particularly through his most pro clous blood, shed for our redemption and sal i by Google TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MART. vation, that thou wilt continue to account me among the devoted children of thy pre- dilection and choice, and that thou wilt ob- tain of God for me the grace of guarding carefully all my thoughts, desires, words, and actions, and of conducting myself in such a manner, that nothing in me may be ever displeasing to my God or to thee ; but that all the faculties and powers of my soul, all the senses and members of my body, and my whole being, may be offered a holocaust of praise and honor to his divine Majesty, now, during the whole course of my life, and at the hour of my death. Then, O Mary, I beseech thee to be particularly mindful of me, to protect me from all my infernal enemies, and to conduct my soul out of this miserable world to enjoy my God, thy glory, and the happy society of all , the angels and saints, for an endless eter- nity. Amen. DEDICATION OF ONE’S FAMILY TO THE MOST HOLY VIRGIN MARY. O blessed and immaculate Virgin, our Queen and Mother, the refuge and consola- tion of all miserable sinners, I, with my PRATER TO THE BLESSED VIE GUI MART. whole family, prostrate before thy thronej thoose thee as Patroness, Mother, and Ad- vocate. I, and all who belong to me, dedi- cate ourselves for ever to thy service ; and we supplicate thee, 0 Mother of God, to enroll us among thy servants. Take us un- der thy protection, and assist us during life, but still more at the time of our death. 0 Mother of Mercy, I consign to thy care and government my house, my rela- tives, my interests, and all my affairs. Vouchsafe to take charge and to dispose pf us all, according to thy will and pleasure. Bless me, then, and all my family ; and do not permit any of us to offend thy Son. De- fend us in temptations, deliver us from dan- gers, provide for us in our wants, counsel us in our doubts, comfort us in our afflictions, assist us in our infirmities, and especially in the agonies of death. Do not permit the devil to glory in having in his chains any one of us, who are consecrated to thee ; but ob* tain that we may all arrive at the kingdom of glory, to return thee our grateful thanks, and to join with thee in praising and loving our Redeemer Jesus for all eternity. Amen. nur EES USED BT ST. MECHTILDIS. DEVOUT PRATERS MADE USE OF BY ST. MECHTILDia Hail, Mary , Sfc. O Holy Mary i our sovereign- Queen ! God the Father, by his omnipotence, has made thee most powerful, so assist us at the hour of our death, by defending us against all the power that is contrary t& thine. Hail , Mary , SfC. D Holy Mary ! our sovereign Queen ! as God the Son has endowed thee with so much knowledge and splendor, that it en- lightens all Heaven, so in the hour of our death, illumine and strengthen our souls with the knowledge of the true faith,' that they be not perverted by error or perni- cious ignorance. Hail , Mary , Sfc. O Holy Mary ! our sovereign Queen ! as the Holy Ghost has plentifully replenished thee with the love of God, so instil into us at the hour of our death, the sweetness of divine love, that all bitterness at that tirn may become acceptable and pleasant to us Hail, Mary , SfC. “ Our Blessed Lady , herself, taught St Mechtildis the above-mentioned triple sain tation, promising her certain assistance foi it at the hour of her death” Digitized by G00gle EXAMPLES OF DEVOTION ♦ WONDERFUL FRUJTS OF DEVOTION TO TH8 HOLY ROSARY. EXAMPLE 1. The birth of St Louis, king of France was the fruit of devotion to the Mother of God and the holy Rosary. The pious queen, Blanche of Castile, desired ardently to give an heir to the throne, who might be accord- ing to God’s own heart. St. Dominick, who lived at that time, advised her to have re- course to the Blessed Virgin, and to the de- votion of the Rosary, to recite it often, and to engage the most devout persons of the kingdom to offer frequently in her name the same homage ; and he encouraged her to hope that the blessing she desired would be the fruit of her prayers. Queen Blanche faithfully followed this advice. The virtue of the holy Rosary, and the piety of the religious princess, soon obtained the desired effect. She had a son, and in her son a king who made sanctity to reign on the throne ; who consecrated his crown by all Christian virtues ; who illustrated his life by the most heroic actions ; in a word, who carried his baptismal robe unsullied to the by Google TO THE HOLT ROSARY. tomb, enriched with all the merits which make saints. This great prince had so tender and live- ly a devotion for the Blessed Virgin, and so loved her humility, that to honor and imi- tate her, he assembled every Saturday (the day consecrated to Mary), a multitude of the poor in his palace, in his own apart- ments : there, following the example of our Blessed Saviour, he washed their feet in a basin, and wiped them with his own hands ; he then kissed them with a respect which showed that in them he recognized the mem- bers of Jesus Christ, after which, to unite charity with humility, he made them dine, and served them himself at table. This edifying ceremony was concluded by an abundant alms, which he distributed to each one in honor of the Queen of Heaven and Earth. He had desired to die on a Saturday, to crown, as it were, by the hom- age of his last sigh, the devotions which he had every week performed on that day in honor of the Blessed Virgin. His desiri was granted ; Mary vouchsafed to obtain his entrance into heaven on the day dedicated to her honor. Oh ! how happy for us to have the proteo tien of such a good and loving Mother ! 3d by Google If EXAMPLES OP DEVOTION EXAMPLE 2 . The blessed Alain de la Roche relates, that a* bishop in Spain, notwithstanding all his endeavors, being unable to succeed in reforming his "people, resolved, after the er ample of St. Dominick, to preach the holy Rosary, taking care to explain the myste- ries, and to teach them how to meditate. The faithful embraced this devotion with ardor, and, in a short time, numberless con- versions were wrought ; ignorance, impiety, immorality, and other vices were replaced by prayer, penance, the frequenting of the holy sacraments, and the practice of all Christian virtues. This zealous prelate could not sufficiently praise God for the change which had taken place in his cathe- dral town ; he commanded the clergy of his diocese to employ the same means, which were followed with the same success; so that in a short time the whole face of hie diocese was entirely changed. The same blessed Alain has also pre- served for us the testimony of a virtuous priest, of which the following are the words : “ I have exercised the office of pas- tor during several years ; I have preacned on all sorts of subjects as well as I w*a able ; I have neglected nothing which could TO THE HOLT ROSARY; instruct, touch, and convert the souls i» trusted to me ; but seeing that I worked in vain, and reaped no fruit from my labor, I resolved to sacrifice the studied discourses which I had been accustomed to make, and try if I should succeed better by simply preaching the devotion of the holy Rosary, explaining the prayers which compose it, and the mysteries on which it is grounded. I had neglected this excellent custom, not- withstanding the reproaches of my con- science, through human respect, fearing lest the world should ridicule me, and consider the subject unworthy of the pulpit. But I declare that, in less than a year, more con- versions were made in my parish, than dur- ing the thirty preceding years, when I had only delivered studied discourses.” From these, and a number of the like ex- amples, blessed Alain concluded, it were de- sirable if pastors and preachers took care to exhort the faithful to embrace this pious exercise, whi(^i is suited to every capacity, and peculiarly adapted for instructing th< soul that meditates attentively on the mys- teries, and the important truths of religion. A number of similar examples might bs sited to show that, in all ages and countries this excellent devotion has produced most happy effects. How many women have ob- u Digitized by G00gle raTlTAL Of TBS SOS AST. turned the conversion of theirhusbaude atad Children, by reciting assiduously the holy Rosary ! How many travellers have there- by escaped gi eat dangers ! How many sick have been cnred ! How many lfctve obtain- ed strength to combat and vanquish the most inveterate temptations, and resist the most violent passions, by invoking the Blessed Virgin, and reeiting the Rosary. THE FESTIVAL OF THE ROSARY. This festival takes place on the first Sun- day of October. It was instituted to im- plore the Divine Mercy in favor of the Church and of all the faithful, and to thank the Almighty for the protection he has af- forded them, and for the innumerable bene- fits he has conferred upop them, particular- ly for his having delivered Christendom from the arms of the infidels by the miraculous victory of Lepanto, in 1571, through the patronage and intercession of the Mother of God, implored with extraordinary fervor in the devotion of the Rosary. To the same means Pope Clement XI. acknowledged the UTaN* OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. Church to be indebted for the wonderful victory which Prince Eugene of Savoy, ob- tained over the Turks, near Belgrade, in 1716. Upon which account his Holiness mused one of the five standards, which were taken from the infidels, and which was sent him by the emperor, to be hung up in the Dominicans’ Church of the Rosary in Rome. THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. We fly to thy patronage, 0 holy Mother of Hod; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, 0 ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us God the Son, Redeemer of the world lave mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. LIT AMT OF THE BLESSED VIKGIH, Holy Mary, Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of Virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother undefiled, Mother inviolate, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Redeemer, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renowned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of Justice, Seat of Wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Vessel of singular devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of Ivory, House of Gold, Ark of the Covenant, Si a? 3 i by Google for us. LITANY OF THE BLESSED VKRGOL Gate of Heaven, Morning Star, Health of the weak, Refuge of sinners, Comfortress of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of angels, Queen of patriarchs, Queen of prophets, Queen of apostles, Queen of martyrs, Queen of confessors, Queen of virgins, Queen of all saints, Queen conceived without sin, Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord, Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord . Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Lord . Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us. Lord have mercy Qn us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Our Father, &c. Ant. We fly to thy patronage, 0 Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, 0 ever glorious and blessed Virgin. V. Pray for us, 0 Holy Mother God, Digitized by G00g[e ® LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 2L That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ Let us Pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, thy jgrace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen. And may the souls of the faithful de parted, through the mercy of God, rest In peace. Amen. gdwtion at t | t Scapulars. SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL “ As it is considered a mark of distino- tion by men, to have attendants wearing their livery, so does the Blessed Virgin like to see her servants wear her scapular ; it should be a sign of their having devoted themselves to her service, and of their be- longing to the family of the Mother of God.” — St. Alphonsus Liguori. Gaudens gaudebo— quia induit me vesti- mentis salutis — (Is. lxi., 10). “ Joyfully will I exult, because I have been clothed with the garment of salvation.” “ Why," exclaims St Bernard, w should a weak mor- tal fear to have recourse to Mary ? In her we shall find nothing to terrify, nothing to alarm us; on the contrary, Mary is afl sweetness. To those who apply to her, she gives milk for food and wool for clothings W Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. She opens to us the treasures of her holy Intercession, in order that all may partake of her plenitude. ” These words need no explanation : let us only try to find the proof of them in the devotion of the holy soap- ular. It is Mary who presents it to us, as the sign of her adoption, as a pledge of her as- sistance, and a source of peace and confi- dence. There is nothing austere or painful in this devotion, and if it be a burden or yoke, it is like that of our Saviour, light and sweet. “ Come,” says Mary to the chil- dren of the Church, “ come to me, that I may endow you with the riches which I possess, that I may clothe you with the gar- ment prepared for my servants. This gar- ment is the garment of salvation ; it will draw down upon you the fulness of my mercy.” Few persons will at first comprehend thia language, and, perhaps, they may be tempt- ed to reject it, either from mistrust of prac * tioes of piety in general, or particular pre judice against the holy scapular. They should, however, hesitate to do so, as they would thus lose the precious graces which •the Mother of Mercy bestows on her de- voted children ! u We know,” says a pioui author, “ that Mary confers many and even Digitized by G00gle DEVOTIOW 07 THE SCATULAfcS. daily favors, on those who have the honor of wearing her scapular.” “ And*we main- tain,” says a celebrated theologian (Ber- gier, Diet. Theolog., art. Scapulaire), that this devotion is useful and salutary, be- cause it induces the faithful to honor the Mother of God, to imitate her virtues, to recite prayers in her honor, to frequent the sacraments, and to unite fraternally for the performance of good works.” 4< This is not saying enough,” adds the venerable Father de la Colombiere ; “ of all the practices of piety with which it is usual to honor Mary, there is not one which (if we may say so) makes our predestination so certain as this ; we should, therefore, give it a decided preference over every other.” The devotion of the scapular is of great antiquity, and ever since its first beginning, has been highly approved of by the Church, which is sufficiently attested by the Bulls of the Pontiffs, and the indulgences they have granted to it at various times. The great advantages which this confra- ternity possesses over others, are : 1st — It is not of human invention . 2dly — It is favored with the special protec- tion of th* Queen of Heaven. Sdly — It has the promise of eternal sal ration. i by Google *EVOTK>N OF THE SOATOLABS. 4thly — It avails much to shorten the eapi> atory flames of Purgatory , Sthly — It has been favored by God frith many graces and miracles , ever since its first institution. It is related in the Fourth Book of Kings, ohap. 5, that Naaman, the Syrian, who was infected with leprosy, was told by Elisems the prophet, “ Go and wash in the river Jordan seven times, and they shalt he made dean but he disdained to follow the advice, as a thing that could not be of any use to him. His servant, however, ear- nestly exhorted him thereto, saying, “ If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing , thou shouldst have done it ; haw much rather then when he said to thee, Wash and thou shalt be dean," The same may be said at present concerning the holy scapular; if our blessed Lady bad commanded us to do some great act, if she had enjoined us some severe penance, or ordered a long and dangerous pilgrimage, promising, as the recompense, that w should be freed from eternal damnation, from the pains of Purgatory, and even in this life preserved from many dangers ; rea- son would tell us that we should be willing to make every endeavor to obtain such great favors j but Mary only says, “ Wear my Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION • OF THE SCAPULAR*. Beery” and she has annexed these and many other favors to the reception and de- vout wearing of the holy scapular. But you will, perhaps, object with Naaman, what will such a weak thing as the scapular avail us ? To this I answer with the Apos- tle, u The weak things of the world hath God chosen that he may confound the strong.” — 1 Cor. i., 27. He that made choice of the weak element, water, to wash us from the deep stain of original sin, in whioh we were all born, makes use of the habit of the scapular (weak as it is in itself) to produce those holy effects, which will be more fully explained in the following pages. May those who shall peruse them, on find- ing that they have so easy and efficacious a means of promoting their spiritual welfare, hasten to avail themselves of it, or they will be liable to the reproach of indiffer enee about the all-important affair of salva- tion ; and should they unhappily lose their immortal souls, God will have just cause to make the same reproach to them which he made to the Israelites (Osee, xii., 9) : De- struction is thy own, 0 Israel ! DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULAE* I ORIGIN OF THE HOLY SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL. The word scapular is derived from thfc Latin, and signifies a garment worn on the shoulders. And since the introduction of this devotion into the Church, this word has been employed to designate two small pieces of brown woollen cloth, which are worn as a mark of particular devotion to the Mother of God. This devotion was instituted towards the middle of the 13th century, and as it was in some measure the fruit of the prayers of St. Simpn Stock, we will relate some inci- dents of his admirable life. He was bora in England, in the County of Kent, in 1 163, and was endowed even from infancy with such extraordinary grace, that at the age of 12 years he retired to a solitude, where his food was only herbs and roots, with wa- ter from a rivulet to quench his thirst. The hollow of an old tree served him for an oratory, a bed, and a cell. Prayer was there his sole occupation, and the Mother of God, to whom he was tenderly devoted 9 Digitized by G00gle l£$VOT*0N OF THE SCAPULARS* favored him with particular graces. Hs spent thirty years m this solitude. Some monks of Mount Carmel having come from the East into England, Simon was informed of their arrival, and the holy Virgin having revealed to him how dear that order was t< her, and how much she wished him to enter into it, he went and cast himself at the feet of those Fathers, who immediately ad- mitted him amongst them. Nothing could equal the fervor of the new monk. His life was more angelical than human. In- flamed with the same fire which had con- sumed the illustrious patriarch and founder of his order, he was so successful in kin- dling it in his native land, that the whole inland became animated with new fervor, and the numerous conversions which follow ed his sermons, were not less wonderful than the extraordinary and frequent mira- cles which were worked by this servant of God. These prodigies, as well as his un- common virtue, induced the friars to raise him to the dignity of Superior General of Mount Carmel. He then zealously devoted himself to promote in his order, an ardent devotion to the Bl.essed Virgin Mary, in which he* perfectly succeeded. From that period he might assuredly claim her special protection, and even, if we may presume to • Digitized by G00gle B^VOTION OF THE SCAPULAR.^. flay so, the gratitude of her who has said, u I love those who love me.” Nevertheless, he earnestly wished to have some sensible mark of it, and for a long time he entreated her to grant him some pledge of her favor. After he had passed several years in tears and supplications, thin good Mother condescended to his desire^. She appeared to him, surrounded by a great number of blessed spirits, and holding !i scapular in her hand, “ My beloved son, said she to him, “ receive this scapular as the livery of my confraternity. It is a pri- vilege granted to you and to all the Car- melites ; it shall be a mark of predestina- tion, a safeguard in danger, a pledge, of peace and of eternal alliance . Whoever shall be so happy as to die wearing this garment, shall not suffer in the eternal flames of hell” This vision occurred on the 16th of July, 1251. Blessed Simon, transported out of himself by the favor which he had received from the Ever Bless- ed Virgin, announced it in every place, ani displayed the scapular which she had lefv behind, as a proof of the reality of the vi- sion. Nations and kings, attracted by the consoling promises of Mary, every where hastened to make application to* the holy Friars whom she had made the deposito- ry Google DEVOttGIf OF THE SCA^ULAl*. lies of this treasure. Besides many popes of former days, says a pious author, we know that several nearer to our own times, as Clement X., Clement XI., Clement XII., Benedict XIII. and XIV. wore the holy scapular with great veneration. Among princes we find that Edward I. and Ed- ward II., kings of England, the Emperors Ferdinand II. and III., the Empress Eleo- nora, the kings of Spain and Portugal, and almost all the princes and princesses of their courts, were enrolled in the confrater- nity of the scapular.* Among the kings of France, St. Louis, Louis XIII., Louis XIV., Louis XV., and his devout consort Mary Leczinska of Poland, as likewise the Dauphin, father of Louis XVI., all consid- ered it an honor to wear the livery of the Queen of Heaven. Indeed, the faithful of all ranks every where enrolled themselves in such numbers in the confraternity of Mount Carmel, that the various authors who have treated of this devotion unanimously assure us, that there has Been none more approved of, or more generally spread throughout the Christian world, than that of the holy scapular. m ''The Inscription of the names of the members in the a^ry of the confraternity was dispensed with by a decree late Holiueee, Gregory XVL, dated August^ 883." Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THB SOAPULAEA. REVELATION MADE TO POPE JOHN XXII About fifty years after the death of St Simon Stock,* the Blessed Virgin Mary made a second promise to Pope John XXII., in favor of the Carmelites, and of the brethren of the holy scapular. One day that he had, as usual, risen very early to pour forth his soul in prayer, being on his knees in a kind of ecstasy, the Queen of Heaven, the Comfortress of the afflicted appeared to him, surrounded with supernal tural light, and wearing the Carmelite habit, spoke thus to bim : “ John, vicar of' my Son , it is to me you are indebted for your exaltation to the dig- nity which you enjoy , in consequence of my solicitations in your behalf with my Divine Son , and as I have delivered you from the snares of your enemies , so do I expect that you will give ample and favor- able confirmation of the holy Carmelite od der, which was first instituted on Mount • On the 16th day of July, In the year 1265, St Simoo Stock departed this life at Bordeaux, in (he one hundredth year of hia age; lie was rendered glorious by the gift of miracles and prophecy. Nicholas III. granted his feast nil Bordeaux on the 16th of May ; and Paul V. extended it is the whole order of Carmelites* 9$ ^ Google DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. Carmel . •*###• tf among the Religious or Brethren of the Confraternity , who depart out of this life , there shall be any who for their sins have been cast into Purgatory ; I, their glorious Mather, uriR descend, on the Saturday af- ter their death ; I will deliver those whom l shall find in Purgatory, and take them up to the holy mountain of eternal life.” These are the very words of the Bull of the 3d March, 1322, whereby Pope John XXII. made the promulgation of this privilege, which he at the same time confirmed in all its extent, saying, “ I accept then, this holy mdulgence, I corroborate and confirm it on earth, as Jesus Christ, by reason of the merits of his glorious Mother, has conceded it in Heaven. (Bullarium Carmelitanum, tom. 61.) This is called the Sabbatine Bull, which has been approved of by Pope Alex- ander V., Clement VII., Pius V. and Gre- gory XIII. (See Bened. XIV. — Father Crasset.) The sacred Congregation of rites also acknowledged it, for it is stated as a pious belief, in the lessons of the solemn commemoration of our Lady, which the Carmelites celebrate on the 1 6th of July, and these lessons having been examined and approved of by Cardinal Bellarmine, were confirmed by the sacred Congregation DigitizS by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. in 1609, and subscribed bj the Prefect of the said congregation, in the name of Pops Paul V. ; this approbation was renewed in 1612. Moreover, the Congregation of the holy office of the inquisition, under Paul V ^ in 1613, confirmed this privilege on the fol- lowing occasion : An inquisitor of the kingdom of Portugal attempted to prevent the Carmelites from stating the privilege of the Sabbatine Bull in their public sermons : the affair having been referred to Rome, the Congregation of the holy office, after a strict examination of the prerogatives of the holy scapular, issued a decree to serve as a rule of conduct for the future : this decree, of which the follow- ing is a literal translation, was approved by Pope Paul V., in 1613 : “ The. Carmelite fathers are authorized to prea h that the faithful may piously be- lieve, with regard to the assistance given to the souls of the Carmelites, and the mem- bers of the Confraternity of our Lady of Mount Carmel, to wit: that the Blessed Virgin will relieve, by her continual inter- cession, by her suffrages, by her merits, and by her special protection, and particularly on the Saturday (being the day consecrated to her by the Church), the members of the confraternity who shall have died in the 1 Digitized by G00gle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULAE*. fl tote of grace, have worn the Scapular dur ing life, observed chastity, each one accord- ing to his state of life, recited the Little Office, or who not being able to recite it, shall have observed the fasts of the Church and abstained from flesh meat on Wednes- days and Saturdays, unless when Christmas day happens to fall on either of those days.” The Sabbatine Bull was also examined and authorized by the most famous univer- sities, colleges, and schools of Christendom ; by the university of Cambridge, in England, ^ in 1374, by that of Bologna, in Italy, in 1609, and by that of Salamanca, in Spain. Moreover, Urban VIII., Clement X., and Innocent XL, confirmed the decree of S Congregation of Rites relative to the office of the 16th of July. In tine, Benedict XIII., by his decree* Ur&U et arbis of September, 1726, approved of the office for the festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16, and commanded all the faithful of both sexes who are bound to recite the canonical hours, to do it under the rite of great double.* There are a number of graces and advan- • 8 m Beeueil destructions sur la devotion m St Soapulalre pair no Carroe d6chauss6. Gand., 1846. This work is ap» ■cored of by all the Bishops of Belgium, and by the superlm m fbt Order of Mount Carmel. . 493054 * MVonon or the scapulam. attached to this holy habit, which fvdty accounts for the devout anxiety which the faithful have always manifested to reeeive ifc We shall here detail them one after another; FIRST ADVANTAGE. Communion of Merits , eace and concord among Christian kings and princes, the extirpation of heresies and schisms, the conversion of sinners and infidel nations, sad for all the intentions of the same holy Church. See pegs 104 Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THB SCAPULARS. PARTIAL INDULGENCES FOR MEMBERS OP THE SCAPULAR. 1st. An indnlgenceof five years, and five quarantines, to those of the confraternity who accompany the Blessed Sacrament to the houses of the sick, and pray for them — (Paul V.) 2d. Five years and five quarantines to those who receive Holy Communion once a month, and pray for the intentions of his holiness the Pope. 3d. Three hundred days to those who abstain from meat on Wednesday and Sat- urday. 4th. One hundred days to those who re- cite the Little Office of our Lady. 5th. One hundred days each time the members give alms, or perform any othei corporal, or any spiritual work of mercy. 6th. Forty days’ indulgence, once a day, to those who recite seven Our Fathers, and seven Hail Marys, in honor of the seven joys of our Blessed Lady, viz., those which she had at the Annunciation of the Angel, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Adoration by three Kings, the Finding of Jesus in the 106 DEVOTION OF HI* SCAPULARS* Temple, the Resurrection, and the Assump- tion. H. B.— All these Indulgences are applicable, by way rf to the souls in Purgatory. FOURTH ADVANTAGE. A Shorter Purgatory . In addition to the aforesaid indulgences, which the members of the confraternity of the Scapular may gain in this life, they also- enjoy a special privilege and an extraordinary advantage, which is commonly called the Sab- batine privilege. This privilege hath for its security the promise made to Pope J ohn XXII., by the Blessed Virgin, and, as before stated, is inserted in the lessons approved of by the Church, for the feasts of the solemn commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by the order of the Carmelites on the 16th of July, where we read these words : — “ Not only in this world our Blessed Lady has beatified with many pre- rogatives this Order, so acceptable to her, but also in the other world (she every where being groat in power and mercy) doth favor those that are enrolled in the society of the Scapular ; for whilst they are purged by thh fire of Purgatory, she doth comfort them with maternal affection, and by her prayer* i by Google DEVOTION OF THE 8QAFULA&8. doth very speedily bring them into the oelefl- tial country, as is piously believed.” The excellency and greatness of this privi lege will easily appear, if we consider how horrible the broiling torments of Purgatory \re ; according to St. Gregory, St. Augus- tine, St. Bernard, and others, they are not in any way to be compared to the pains of this life, nor to those pains which the holy martyrs endured. Moreover, the angelical doctor, St. Thomas, saith : u That they do exceed the pains which Jesus Christ suffered in his holy passion, which, notwithstanding, were the most cruel and bitter that ever any creature endured in this life ; besides, they are not torments for an hour, or a day, as those of this world, but they may and do last twenty, tLir y, or a hundred years.” From these fearful torments the members of the Scapular are exempted, if they perform what the members of the Scapular are obliged to do, and die in the state of grace invested with the holy habit. TIFTH ADVANTAGE. The Grace of Salvation . The holy Virgin, in giving the Scapulai to St. Simon, made him a most consoling pro- mote. She put no bounds to the confidence of those who should wear her habit. In the engagement she made to protect them, there Digitized by GoOgle W DEVOTION or THE SCAPULAE 8 is no condition. Her words are precise. 44 Whoever shall die wearing this habit % shall not'svffer eternal fire.” Do you then believe that all who die wearing the Scapular will be preserved from eternal damnation?* I answer, yes, certainly I believe it, and I see nothing absurd in this belief, since, ac- cording to St. Peter Damian, all ihcmercie% . of the Lm d are in the hands of Mary. But another objection may be raised, which is calculated to deceive, as it is clothed in the words of the Gospel. Jesus Christ himself, say they, teaches us, that the only means of salvation left to the sinner is Penance, and that if the impious man die in his sins, although he be clothed in the habit of Mary, still he will be excluded from ad* mittance into the holy city, into which no- thing defiled can enter. We might answer this objection by ad- ducing many well-authenticated examples, which prove that Mary has often, on account of the Scapular, retained unrepentant souls in their wounded and bleeding bodies, in order to give them time to reconcile them-, selves with their God. The remarkable occurrence is well known which happened to a certain soldier, wh& * Mofthelm, a Protestant author. Eoclesiaatioai Hlat, 108 j Digitized by GoOgle / DgVQTION Or THE SCAPULARS. wa» discovered throe days after the battle of Senef (1674), grasping in one hand the Scapular, in the other a Rosary, and calling for a priest to confess his sins, although covered with mortal wounds. Besides other wo u n ds,- he h a d r e c e i ved en the head a deadly- stroke from a sabre, and a musket ball had pierced his head from side to side, so that his brains were seen on each side protruding from the wound. Those who were appointed to take charge of the wounded, considered him to be dead, and were passing him by unheeded ; but he implored them to take pity on him, and to carry him with them, as he wished to confess. They carried him off the field; the army chaplain happening to be there at the moment, the dying soldier confessed his sins, and did not depart this life until after having received absolution.* But should any one trust to such remark- able examples without caring to change his life and abandon sin, he would indeed be guilty of the greatest temerity ; for Mary • This event can be read as related by contemporary au- thor* of the highest credit, who most be considered as incontro- vertible witnesses. Father Crasset relates the event as miracu- loua in bis work, “On the True Devotion to Mary be had S from the Marquis of 8 — , who, besides two other gen- tlemen of the Court, were present, eye-witnesses of the event, and signed the narration of the miracle, which some time afterwards was drawn up by the Fathers of a Monastery Mar Ath. Father Claude de la Colorabidre relates the same ■trade In hts Sermon on the Bipolar, which was delivered ti fWMM of the Duchesa of York, DEVOTION Of THE SCAPULARS. possesses other means by which to save «L which, so to speak, are more natural, and more in accordance with the usual guidance of Divine Providence. u In her hands,’ 9 as we said before, “ are all the graces and mer- cies of the Lord,” according to St. Peter Damian. “ In manu ejus sunt omnes inisera- tiones Domini.” Out of this inexhaustible treasure, which she has in her possession, she selects graces, which are at the same time mild but powerful for converting the heart of the sinner to fill it with sentiments of true sorrow and contrition, and to change him from a reprobate and slave of Satan, into a saint and child of God. Let no one flatter himself with the hope of passing from a life of crime and excess, to the life of the blessed, by any other way than by the way of penance ; but upon this way the Mother of God well knows how to conduct the sinner, notwithstanding every difficulty. When he least expects it, she will send into his soul a ray of supernatural light, which will give him to understand his error, and show him the terrible misfortune of a soul which is abhorred by God ; and he, on his part, will be astonished to find only sweetness and delight in that which was to him so bitter and irksome before : then will he feel his heart filled only with horror and* us * DEVOTION Or THE SCAPULARS. disgust of those things which he formerly loved, and from which he never before could tear himself. Moreover, it is the general opinion of the most celebrated theologians, which is confirmed by the authority of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, that it is impossible for a true servant of Mary to be lost. St. Bonaventure puts no other bounds to the power of Mary than the almighty power of God himself. St. Antoninus assures us “ that her prayer can never be denied. 1 * St Peter Damian says elsewhere, that “ he for whom Mary shall have once prayed, cannot be eternally lost.” Who has not heard the consoling words of St. Anselm, when ad- dressing himself to Mary. He says : “ No one who has recourse to thee, and upon whom thou shalt favorably cast thine eyes, will ever perish.” Now, if this divine Mother secures the salvation of those who only fly to her protection, what will she not do for those who, in order to render them- selves sure of that protection, clothe them- selves in her habit ? Is this not a continual invocation, and can any one show her more special honor than by carrying constantly about him a mark which shows that he be- longs to her, that he has consecrated him- self to her service, and that he looks on it as the greatest honor to be permitted to DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULAE 8. rear the badge of her livery ? “ Qui h* buerit characterem ejus,” says St. Bonaven ture, “ adnotabitur in libro vitae.” (In Spec.) “ The name of him who wears her livery is inscribed in the book of life.” But let no one horo>de eeko 4Hnwetf^ far t he s t words cannot refer to those who practise thia devotion only to be able to sin more freely and with greater impunity : those who in- dulge this vain imagination deserve rather chastisement than mercy for their rash pre- sumption. I speak here only of those who at least sigh and groan under the weight of their chains, and though they possess not the strength to burst their bands, still have the will to do it, since they hope to receive from Mary, in return for the slight honor they pay her, the strength necessary to throw off the yoke of their passions. The great Suarez appears to go still far- ther : “ For it can happen,” says he, “ that Ood in his infinite mercy will hear the prayer of the sinner who is not yet determined to change his life, provided, however, that hi* obstinacy does not proceed so far that he is ready to reject entirely the spirit of pen- ance, but, on the oontrary, perseveres in prayer with courage and confidence, implor- ing of God the aid he stands in need of for obtaining eternal life. ” — ( L>e Relig.) Bene* Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. diet 'XIV. is of the same opinion, in sup- port of which he quotes this very passage. But some may perhaps still object. If, then, the sinner, notwithstanding all these favors, should continue to persevere in his sinful life; if he close his eyes to every light ; in a word, if he die in this state — then he will die in his sins; for, says St Augustine, even God himself will not force the will of him who is determined to plunge himself into destruction. Y es ! he will die in his sins, but he shall not die with the holy Scapular. If he will not permit Mary to draw him out of the abyss of sin, then ahe will still find means to deprive him of her livery ; he himself will lay aside the holy habit, sooner than that he should die with it as a reprobate. Something will happen to him similar to that which hap- pened to a certain wretched man, whose un- fortunate history is too well known. As this miserable man several different times at tempted in vain to drown himself, not suc- ceeding in his effort, he knew not to what cause he could assign this remarkable cir- cumstance ; then recollecting that he carried about him the Scapular, he no longer doubted that this was what prevented him from ful- filling his sad resolve. The unfortunate wretch, unmoved by this evident mark of DEVOTION OF THE 8CAPTTLAR8. the protection of Mary, cast the Scapular from him, plunged once more into the water, and was swallowed up by the very waters which till then had spared him. He died in his sins, he died committing the greatest crime of which man can be guilty, but he died not until he had first laid aside the Scapular of Mary, the habit of salvation, 44 in which whoever dies shall not endure the eternal flames of hell.” 4 * In quo quis mo- riens aeternum non patietur incendium * Oh, Mary ! no vested child of thine, Shall in hell's eternal exile pine. WHAT THEY WHO WEAR THE HOLY SCA- PULAR OF MOUNT CARMEL ARE OBLIGED TO DO. In order to gain all the graces and privi- leges annexed to the Scapular, two things are necessary : 1st. The Scapular must be received with the accustomed ceremonies from a priest em- powered to give it. 2d. It must be devoutly worn, as a Soap 114 Digitized by G00gle DEVOTION OF THE 8CAFULAR6. pillar, that is, hanging from the shoulder*, When the first one is worn out, it may be replaced by another, blessed or not, without a new ceremony. In order, however, to obtain the privileges of the Sabbatine Bull, the following condi tions must be complied with : 1st. Chastity must be observed according to one’s state of life. 2d. Those who can read, must recite every day the Breviary or the little office of the Blessed Virgin, as used in the Church. Those who are not able to read, or who are hindered from saying it, must, instead of the office, abstain from the use of flesh meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and observe the fast days of the Church. With regard to the condition of saying the office of Our Lady, or abstaining from meat, it must be observed that tLj members of the Scapular, who wish to gain the Sab- batine privilege, are not free to make a choice between the abstinence and the office; but these obligations may be commuted or changed by a confessor who has the faculty for doing so.* The Scapular must be worn night and day in the manner prescribed. Partly, lar care * According to ttM Rescript of Gregory XV L, of Oot. ftk IMQ, and 224 of January, 1842. Digitized by GoOgle ^ DEVOTION OF THE 8CAFULA2UL should be taken to wear it at the boor o I death, as a distinctive mark of the order, and as a safeguard against dangers, because “ He who shall die clothed with this habit will be preserved from hell-fire.” It is also good to be buried with it. Children who by the devotion of their parents receive the habit, are not obliged to do any thing until they are seven years old, and yet they may gain the Sabbatine privi- lege. The Scapular should be made of two pieces* of woollen doth, of a dark brown ot coffee color, attached to a double string, so that it may hang over the shoulders, one piece on the breast and the other on the back. It is a pious custom to have a picture of jur Blessed Lady sewed on the Scapular, or to have the initials, I.H.S., marked on one piece, and the initials, I.M.I.,on the other;f but neither the picture nor these letters is necessary, a simple Scapular, without either, is sufficient To be a member of tne Confraternity of the Scapular, that is, to be entitled to share In the merits and good works of the whole • Them pieces are each about three Inches square. 1 1. H. S. signifies J kbits Hominum Salvatob, that la, Jmm Ike Saviour of Mkm ; and LM.L signifies Jan, Mart, and Jouth. m L.oogle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULAR*. order of Mount Carmel, to have a right tc the personal indulgences of the confrater nity no particular prayer, fast, or abstinence has been prescribed by the Church, so the devout client is at liberty to offer to the special Patroness of Mount Carmel, any tribute of prayer and praise which his de- votion may suggest, which, being voluntary will be the more meritorious. This is the opinion of all the Carmelites who have writ- ten on the subject. It is therefore an erro- neous idea, though a very general one, that the members should daily recite seven Our Fathers and seven Hail Marys, in order to be entitled to the privileges and indulgences of the confraternity. It is true the mem- bers (and they only) gain an indulgence of forty days by reciting thv,3Q prayers ; but they are not bound to do so, nor do they lose any thing but that partial indulgence, by not saying them. Some persons are deterred from embracing the devotion of the Scapular, by the idea that they would thereby be obliged either to recite the office of our Blessed Lady, or to abstain from meat twice a week; whereas they may be good members of the confrater nity, and enjoy most of the advantages of it, as has been already observed, by simply Wearing the Scapular. 117 Digitized by G00gle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. The recitation of the office, or the absti- nence, is the condition for gaining the S abba- tine privilege, that is, to be released from Purgatory on the first Saturday after our death, by the merits and prayers of the Blessed Virgin. The sick who, as long as they were able, observed the conditions for gaining this privilege, are not obliged to seek for a com- mutation. The faculty of blessing and giving the Scapular includes likewise, in virtue of the Bull of Clement VII., the power of giving to the members of the confraternity the general absolution and plenary indulgence of the order at the hour of death. Should a priest possessing the above faculty not be at hand, in hujus defectu any confessor approved of by the Bishop may give it. It should be distinctly understood, that the obligations prescribed in the Confrater- nity of the Scapular do not bind under sin — not even under venial sin — if they are neg- lected without contempt. One is thereby only deprived of the graces, privileges, and advantages which are attached to each of those . duties or obligations. The spiritual favor® which the members thus forfeit are so considerable that duties which are so easy and salutary should be speedilv resumed. 113 Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS* MIRACLES PERFORMED BY VIRTUE OF T TiB SCAPULAR. I( God alone can work miracles, and when he does, it is either to bear testimony to the truth of our faith, or to the utility of the devotions which have been adopted by the Church. This testimony, as theologians affirm, cannot be employed to authorize falsehood ; therefore, there is no proof so certain, among all those which may be ad- duced to convince the human understanding, as that of an effect above the power of na- ture. Prodigies of this kind serve to mani- fest the truth, and only the truth; they speak a language which error cannot assume, and leave no pretext for incredulity. Hence I conclude that the devotion of the Scapular is the best of all those pious practices which the Church authorizes, because it has been confirmed by more frequent and well-authen- ticated miracles than any other. How many fires have been extinguished by it, whilst it has itself been preserved whole and entire in the midst of flames ! How often have persons in danger of perishing by fire been •o wonderfully protected by it, that they nassed through the burning flames without ns Google DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. even a hair of their heads being singed) Its utility has been more than once proved in shipwrecks, as well as on other trying oc-* casions, but especially in sickness. I should never end, were I to particularize the many instances in which the servants of Mary havo been preserved by it.”* The limits usually prescribed to a sermon prevented the Pere Colombi^re from giving examples of the miraculous power of the Scapular. We shall, however, relate a few well-attested miracle**, which will prove that the devout servant of God had good grounds for his assertions. 1. At the siege of Montpelier, in the year 1622, a soldier named M. de Beaure- gard was struck by a musket ball, but did not receive the slightest wound. He stag- gered, but did not fall, like a man who had merely received a slight blow. He was in- stantly undressed, when it was perceived that the ball, after penetrating his clothes, rested on the Scapular which he wore, where it stopped, thus evidently proving that to it ne owed the preservation of his life. Louis XIII., King of France, who witnessed this miracle himself, immediately put on this piece of heavenly armor also. This miracle • From t wmon by the Ptee Colombia®, SJL im Digitized by G00gle DEVOTION OP THE SCAPCLtRS. 10 placed beyond doubt, as it was witnessed by it Dumerous army. 2. Monsieur de Cuge, cornet of a com- pany of horse, was wounded at Tefin, in the year 1636, by a cannon ball, which, passing through his left side, had torn his heart to pieces, so that naturally he could not live a moment. Nevertheless, Almighty God, by the intercession of the glorious Virgin, gave him time to repent, for he was in mortal sin (as he afterwards declared), and prolonged his life for three or four hours, during which time he made his confession, and with his own hands wrote his last will and testament; which being done, the surgeon came to search his wounds, and found that the bullet had driven the Scapular into his heart. On its being drawn out, he presently expired, making many acts of profound gratitude towards the sacred Virgin, who prolonged his life in a miraculous manner, and preserved him from eternal death. 3. Some missionaries from Perigueux were preaching a mission in 1656, at Saint Aulay, a town in Saintonge. A fire broke out in a house about ten o’clock at night, and raged with such violence, that a great number of the inhabitants collected on the spot to give all the help they could under the mrcumstanoes. Among the crowd was a m Digitized by G00gle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPE! AILS. worthy clergyman, who (recollecting that a! Perigueux, about twenty years before, a great fire had been miraculously extinguished by a Scapular, which event had been in- quired into, and attested by the magistrate of the town), desired a young man, remarks* ble for his faith and piety, and who happened to be on the spot, to take off his Scapular, and to throw it into the midst of the flames, “ and you will find,” he added, u that they will be soon extinguished through the inter- cession of the Blessed Virgin.” The young man hastened to obey, and making his way through the crowd, threw his Scapular into that part of the fire where it was raging most violently. At the same moment the flames seemed to ascend like a whirlwind, and the fire ceased burning. The Scapular was found intact on the following day, in the midst of the burnt remains of the house. The miracle was so apparent, that some Gal vinists who were present, said among them selves, “ that young man is a sorcerer,” while the Catholics, on the other hand, praised God, and admired the virtue of the Sca- pular. “ These are the very words of the attesta- tion,” says the missioner* who relates the • Pin le Jenae, of the Congregation of the OntoijS m Digitized by GoOgle DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULAS. 8. fioi, “ which I received from the Rev. F* there of the mission of Perigueux.” 4. In the year 1675, at Brugelette, two soldiers, Vincent Matthew and Nicolas Pier- rot, having quarrelled, the former fired a pistol at his companion, who was about ten feet distant from him. The ball fortunately came in contact with his Scapular, and caused him no further injury than a slight contu- sion, although it had pierced both his jacket and shirt, and was found near the pit of the stomach, and slightly flattened. Two other soldiers saw the shot fired, and also the Scapular attached or stuck to the contu- sion. The surgeon stated on oath that he had found the ball in the shirt. Vincent and Nicolas, after .asking pardon of each other, and being mutually reconciled, like good Christians, deposed to the fact on oath in presence of the authorities of the place. Several of the officers of the regiment quartered on the spot, and some of the most respectable inhabitants, also deposed that they had seen the contusion on the breast of the man, as well as the ball slightly flat- tened, and the holes made by it in his jacket and shirt.* • The attestations and certificates are given at length ta hs Manuel de la devotion an Boapulaire, approval par Mom vAgn. Quelen, Archeoeque de Pari*. v j by Google DEVOTIOll OF THE SCAPULA** 5. Father Theophilus Raynaud, of thl Society of Jesus, says that the daughter of a merchant at Toulon, having fallen danger* ously ill at the age of four yeais, was sud- denly cured, on her parents making a vow to have her enrolled in the Confraternity of the Scapular; but they having neglected for some years to fulfil their promise, the child was attacked with a disease still more serious than the first, so much so, that the physicians unanimously declared that it was impossible she could recover. The parents then vcmem- boring tlieir vow, hastened to make the sick child adopt the livery of Mary, and she was instantly restored to perfect health. In token thereof, the parents placed a picture with an inscription in the chapel of our Lady of Mount Carmel, that it might serve as a memorial of the infinite goodness of God to the members of the Coitfraternity of the Scapular. 6. In the year 1719, the hamlet of Ballon, in the Diocese of Metz, was threatened with destruction by fire, which had sud denly broken out, w'hen the confidence of the inhabitants in the protection of our Lady of Mount Carmel induced them to cast a Scapular into the flames ; the fire instantly abated, and the Scapular was found miraculously preserved on a burning rafter. Digitized by G00gle •EVOTiOlt OF THE SCAPULAR*. The Bishop of Metz had an attestation of &e above drawn up, which was signed and sealed by him ; in this document, after re- lating the miracle, he says : “All the cir* oumstances of this event plainly prove that the Almighty intended to reward the faith and confidence which had been shown in the Blessed Virgin, by a public and well-authen- ticated miracle; therefore, we ordain, in order to preserve the remembrance of so signal a favor, as well as to promote the edification of the faithful, and an increase of devotion to our Blessed Lady, which is grounded on the tradition of the whole Church, that on the second Sunday of July, every year, in perpetuity, there shall be added to the pious ceremonies and devotions practised by the members of the Confrater- nity of the Scapular, a procession round the hamlet of Ballon, after which the Te Deum shall be sung, in thanksgiving for the miracle, with which it hath pleased the Divine Good- ness to honor the said place, as well as to encourage the faith and devotion of those who have recourse to God, by a praiseworthy confidence in the intercession oi the Blessed Alary. *' Given in our Palace of Metz, signed, Google DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. countersigned, and sealed with ouraruii, the 1 2th of January, 1720. “ Henry Charles Du Cambout, “ Bishop of Metz , Dm De Coislin In conclusion, we say, it is no new thing to Almighty God to make use of the clothes and garments of saints, in order to effect prodigious things. The mantle of the holy patriarch St. Elias, twice divided the water of the river Jordan. 4 Kings ii. The sha- dow of St Peter cured all diseases. Acts v. 15. The handkerchiefs and napkins of St. Paul drove away evil spirits, and healed all sorts of infirmities. Acts six. 12. And, our Saviour has never so frequently employed the relics or garments of any saints in the performance of such things as he has done- the sacred habit of his Virgin Mother, which he seems to have selected, in order to de monstrate to the world both the efficacy of her intercession, and the height of her merit# and glory. Flower of Carmel ! flowering vinel Shed thy gifts on ns who are thine. Virginal mother ! Star of the Sea 1 Glory of Heaven 1 we cry to thee. If the pious reader wishes to know of more well-authenticated miracles, he mtuK !8ed by Google DEVOTION OF THE SCAPULARS. repair to larger volumes which treat on this subject. Among others, see— Recueil d’in- struction sur la devotion au saint Scapulaire avec les indulgences, graces et privileges at- taches & cette confr£rie, par un Carme d6- chausse, Ghent, 1845; also, Lezana de Pa- tron. Mariae, cap. 5 and 9, and Theophilus Raymundus, S. J., in Scap. Carthag. Carm cap. 6. * OTHER SCAPULAR& As yet we have spoken only of the 8capular of our Blessed Lady of Mount Carmel. There are several others, to which likewise many graces and indulgences arc attached. L THE SCAPULAR OF CUR BLLoSED LADY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS, of the order of Servites, or Servants of Mary, which was founded in the year 1133 by seven noblemen of Florence, viz., Bon filius Monaldius, Bonajuncta Manetti, Ma nettus Antellensis, Amideus de Amideis,* Uguccio Uguccionis, Sosteneus de Sosteneis, Alexius de Falconeriis, to whom the Blessea Virgin appeared, and commanded them w Digitized by G00gle J YHJfc roU& SCAPULAE S. wear 8 black habit, in memory of her Scroll Dolors.* IL THE SCAPULAE OF THE IMMACULATE CON- CEPTION, of the order of Theatines, or Regular Clerks, which was founded by St. Cajetan of Yin- cenza, and Peter John Caraffa, who was afterwards Pope, under the name of Paul IV., and died in the year 1559. HL THE 8CAPULAR OF THE MOST HOLT TRINITY, of the order of Trinitarians for the Re- demption of Captives, which was founded in the twelfth century, by St. John de Ma- tha and St. Felix de Yalois. These Re- ligious wear a white habit, with a cross of red and blue on the breast, as shown by an angel to St. John de Matha,f and in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Felix de Valois. These three Scapulars, like the Scapular of Mount Carmel, are composed each of two email pieces of woollen cloth. When worn together, with that of Mount Carmel, all four pieces square, or nearly so, are sewed • Commemorated on the 11th of February, Roman Brevtan; t Roman Breviary, Sth February and 20th November. Digitized by GoOgle THE FOUR SCAPULARS. ^together like the leaves of a book, and four? more pieces exactly similar are sewed in like* manner; then these two parts (four piece* in eachj are joined by two bands o£ tape^ about eighteen inches long, so that one pari - falls on the breast and the other on the back; ' The largest piece is generally the Scapular of Mount Carmel, which is of a brown color . the second, which is somewhat smaller, i» * the Scapular of Our Lady of the Seven Dolors, and is of a black color ; the third i* the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception,, and is still smaller and of a blue color, this color, the emblem of resignation t* Mary, was also the color of her mantle. The Scapular of the Most Holy Trinity- Is white, and the smallest of the four ; in- the middle of which there must be a cross,, likewise of wool, one arm of which must be* red, the other blue. All these colors, as well as the cross, must be visible. The Redemptorist Fathers have also the* power to give these three Scapulars. The essential requirement for obtaining all the indulgences and graces annexed to these three Scapulars is, to receive them from a priest, empowered to grant them, and to wear them constantly. If any one loses or wears out the Scapular, he can take another in ite Mfti Those who, either through careleaa* TUB FOUR aPAPfUUW. eess, or even through malice, uegtect to mum it, or have laid it aside, can again resume it, and gain all the indulgences and privileges *• as before. The Scapular of the Most Holy Trinity s^lone is excepted ; according to the . declaration of Innocent XI., it must be blessed as often as it is renewed INDULGENCES GRANTED TO THOSE WHO WEAR THE FOUR SCAPULARS. Bemdes the innumerable graces and in- diligences annexed to this devotion, the Popes have granted mauy special indulgen- ces to those who wear the four Scapulars. The following are the principal, to obtain which no special visit to any particular church is .required : . Paul V*, by his briefs of the 30th Oo- tober, 1666, 31st August, 1609, and 19th ? i July, 1614^ Clement X., in bis Constitution of 8th May, 1673; Clement XI.*., in his Constitution of 1 2th May, 1740; Innocent XI , by his Constitution of the 10th February, 1680, 1st September, Digitized by G00gle yoOR' SOAI^L A and 34th October, 1682, have granted the following indulgences : 1. Four Plenary Indulgen~°s on the day of reception, when they ioveive the fo T if Scapulars, provided they confess and com* municate, and say some prayers-for the in-* tention of his Holiness. 2. Four Plenary Indulgences at the hour of death, provided they receive the sacra- ments. 3. A Plenary Indulgence on the princi- pal feast of Our Lady of the Seven Dolors, on the usual conditions. 4. A Plenary Indulgence on Passion Sunday, provided that, after fulfilling the above conditions, they meditate some time on the Passion of Christ and the Sorrows of Mary. 5. Besides those who wear the four Scap- ulars may gain the other indulgences, ple- nary and partial, mentioned on pages 103, 104, and 105, not spoken of here. By virtue of the Constitution of Clement X., of the 2d of January, 1672, beginning with the words M Cum sicut accepimus, these indulgences are applicable, by way of suffrage, to the souls in Purgatory. 4t And let it be particularly made known, besides many particular indulgence# Digitized by G00gle THE SCAPULAR OF THE PASSION. (here are annexed to the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, which is blessed by the Theatine Fathers, all the indulgences which are granted to any religious order* pious place, or person. And particularly by receiting ‘ Our Father,’ ‘ Hail Maiy/ and ‘ Glory be to the Father,’ six times, m honor of the most Holy Trinity and of the immaculate Mary, are gained each time all the indulgences of Rome, Portiuncula, Je- rusalem, Galicia, which reach the number of FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE PLE* nary indulgences, besides the temporal, which are innumerable. All this is tran- scribed from a sheet printed by the aa-me Theatine Fathers.” — St. Liguori IV. THE RED SCAPULAR OF OUR LORD’S PASSION ; AND OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY * On the evening of the Octave of the Feast of St. Vincent of Paul, July ‘26th, 1846, our Lord appeared to a Sister of Charity, at Paris, while she was praying in chapel, before the hour of benediction. In his he held a red Scapular, sus- worsted strings of the same color. right hand pended b^ Digitized by Google THE 8CAPULAR OF THE PA8SIOW. Ota one side of the Scapular he was repre* tented as crucified ; at the foot of the cross were the most painful instruments of His Passion — the scourge, the hammer, the mantle which -had covered his bleeding body. Around the crucifix were these words: u Sacred Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ save us!” On the opposite side of the Seapular was the image of His Sacred Heart and that of his most blessed Mother; ft cross, placed between the two, seemed to arise from the two hearts ; and around them were written the words : “ Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary protect us ! ” This apparition of our 'Lord, holding in his hand the Scapular of the Passion, was repeated several times. On the festival of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 1846, she saw it again, when our Divine Saviour said to the aforesaid sister : “ All those who wear this Scapular shall receive , on every Friday , a great increase of Faith , Hope } and Charity ” In June, 1847, the Superior-General of the Congregation of the Mission went to Rome, and laid before the Holy See the particulars of all these visions, submitting all to the judgment of the visible Head of the Church. The Sovereign Pontiff deemed jitized by (jC . ^ 1«S TUB SCAPULAE OP THB PAS8I01I. those extraordinary favors 'worthy of his at tention, and, by a Rescript of the 25th of June, he approved of their object. It seemed good to His Holiness to authorize the Superior-General to establish a new Scapular, of a red color, called, “ The Scap- ular of the Passion of our Lord, and of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,” to which he has been pleased to attach the fol- lowing indulgences, and to give to all the Missioners of the said Congregation the faculty to bless this Scapular, and to dis- tribute it to the faithful. Indulgences granted by the Rescript of June 25, 1847, are : 1. Every Friday an indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines for all persons, who, wearing this Scapular, shall approach the Holy Communion, and recite, five times, Our Father, Hail Ma?y, and Glory be to the Father, in honor of the Passion of Our Lord. 2. An indulgence of three years and three quarantines for such persons as shall, at any time, meditate half an hour on the Passion with humble and contrite hearts. 3. An indulgence of two hundred days for all the faithful, who, kissing with com* 184 Digitized by GoOgle Tins SCAPULAR OP THK PAfcSI ON 4 . j Enaction the said Scapular, shall recite thuf Terse : ‘ H We beseech Thee , therefore , help Thy servants , whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood" 1 By a . Rescript of March 21, 1848, His Holiness Phpe Pius IX. granted also : A plenary indulgence on every Friday to all the faithful, who, wearing the Scapular/ having confessed and communicated, shall devoutly meditate for a short time upon the Passion of our Lord, and pray for concord among Christian princes, for the extirpation if heresy, and for the exaltation of our Holy Mother the Church. The Superior-General of the Congregation of the Mission has moreover received power to delegate to any other priest, Secular or regular, the faculty to bless and distribute to the faithful the above-mentioned Scapu- lar. When the first Scapular is worn out, it may be replaced by another, without any ceremony or blessing. The members will be helped to meditate on the Passion, by reading slowly, and pon- dering well, the fifteen meditations on the Passion of our Saviour, which are generally found in Prayer-books, or a passage in some , Digitized by G00gle THE SCaPULAR OF THE PA8S10X other book which treats of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, such as “ The Suf- ferings of Christ,” by F. Thomas of Jesus; # “ The Soul on Calvary ; ” “ The Clock of the Passion,” by St. Alphonsus Liguori; or, “ The Passion of J esus,” in poetry, by Matthew Bridges. Those who cannot pro- cure a book, may purchase for a trifle “ The Crucifix Meditated,” a single leaf, on which is represented the image of Christ cruci- fied ; all around which are printed texts of Holy Writ relating to the Passion. Those who cannot read may gain the in* dulgence by kneeling before a crucifix and saying five Paters and five Aves, in honor of the five wounds of Jesus Christ, and thinking a few minutes on any part of our Saviour’s Passion. •In this book are contained m Thb SvAnoxa, AM toy am Haxmi nr Jhubaubl" CONFR ATERN1TY or tan j^arranunt. Platt of ait association in honor of JESUS CHRIST, TRULY AND REALLY PRESENT IN THE SACRAMENT OF THB RT-ESSED EUCHARIST. L TBS DESIGN AND OBJECT OF THIS ASSOCIATION. The adoration of Jesus Christ in this most holy Sacrament is an act of religion, found- ed on the plainest dictates of Catholic Faith, and warranted by the practice of the earliest Fathers and best ages of Christi- anity. For, as we believe his sacred body to be substantially and really present under the appearances of bread and wine, we owe to it every testimony of our most profound respect and every token of worship due to the Divinity, with which it is inseparably united. This sacred body has its residence on the altars of God, not only occasionally, but 3d by Google A CONFRATERNITY OF continually, that it may never cease from bestowing blessings on mankind, and admin- istering consolations to them in all their necessities. It has, therefore, a claim on their perpetual gratitude, and it demands, without interruption, their thanks, their lore, and their homage. To fulfil this duty is the object of the association; by which many enter into a holy partnership and agreement to discharge by their united endeavors, that debt of per • petual adoration, which no one singly can perform, on account of his unavoidable oc- cupations and the cares of life. In conse- quence of such an association, the worship and honor rendered to Jesus Christ* in the Blessed Sacrament, by each member of it, is' made the act of all, and continually recom- mends all to the divine favor and protect tion. They contract a close union with- Jesus Christ ; they enter into a more special society with the angels and saints, and into a communication in all good works with many ' holy persons, members of the association* throughout the world. Another powerful motive to induce all faithful children of the Church to enter into" this association is, that by complying with its rules and directions they will make, as far as they are able, reparation to Jesus 188 Digitized by GoOgle THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Christ for the many profanations of, and great disrespect manifested towards this his most wonderful and salutary sacrament, by unbelievers, libertines, wicked Catholics, nd, perhaps, even by themselves. IL ■SUES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF «na AMO> CIATION. 1. All persons desiring to become mem- bers of it, are to apply to their respective pastors ; and, after admission, to have their names inscribed in a book kept for this pur- pose. 2. One hour in the course of every year, or much oftener, according to the number and devotion of the associates, is to be al- lotted to each one, to be employed by him in acts of religious worship and adoration, in presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The days and hours assigned 1° each member of the association are to be entered likewise in the same book, directly opposite their several names. 3. Previous to the hour of adoration, each one should endeavor, as far as may be ne- cessary, to obtain from God forgiveness of his sins and the grace of justification ; using to this effect the penitential works ordained Digitized by GoOgle CONFEA1 ERNITY OF by Christ ; that is, compunction of heart; renouncing of sin, and sacramental confes sion. 4. The religious exercises most appro- priate to the object of the association, and which ought to fill up the hour allotted, are those of steadfast and animated faith, of a fervent love of God, a sincere desire of con- tributing to spread the knowledge of and honor due to the sacred humanity of Jesus Christ, veiled under the humble appearances of bread and wine ; and, finally, an earnest endeavor to atone for the many outrages and insults which it suffers, either from infidelity or impiety. 5. If any unexpected hindrance should prevent a member of the association from performing his religious engagement on the day and hour appointed, he may choose some other time, and substitute another as- sociate in his stead for the time which had been first allotted. 6. They, who on account of distance or other sufficient and weighty reasons, cannot pass the hour assigned to them in a church, and before the Blessed Sacrament, may per- form their religious exercises at home, or on the road (if travelling, on necessary busi- ness), or even at work in cases of great and indispensable urgency ; provided, that while THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. they Are so employed they cherish in their hearts a desire of fulfilling the purposes of the association, that they direct their affec- tions towards the Blessed Sacrament in the nearest church or chapel, and adore Jesus Christ residing therein for the love of men. They may and should use some such prayer as the following : * O Jesus ! permit me to unite my adoration and acta of lore to those which Thou now offerest to thy Eternal Father Accept the tender of my love, gratitude, and humble atone- ment, as Thou receivest the thanksgivings made to Thee in Heaven, by Thy blessed Mother and the Saints, and by Thy (kitbful adorers on earth .’ 1 7. The members of the association ought to embrace every opportunity of manifesting their devotion to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, by being present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, whenever they can without much inconvenience ; by frequently visiting Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sa- crament ; by accompanying the priest when he carries the Blessed Sacrament to the sick, &c. 8. On every Thursday, in commemora- tion of the day on which the Holy Sacra- ment was instituted, particular devotion to it is recommended. 9. The associates are earnestly exhorted to confess and communicate at least once a ui Digitized by G00gle OOKFKATHLNITY OF tnonth, and on all the great festival® rf ear Lord and his Blessed Mother. 10. Above all, let each one, according to the measure of God’s grace imparted to him, endeavor to transcribe into his own life those wonderful examples of charity, humil- ity, obedience, mortification, prayer, retired- ness, and so many other virtues discoverable in Jesus Christ, veiling his majesty and awful greatness under the symbols of bread and wine. INDULGENCES GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF TUB (RATION. Every associate may obtain a plenary in- dulgence at the ensuing specified times : 1. On the day of his enrolment into the association, if, at the same time he shall confess his sins, and receive the Blessed Sa- crament worthily. 2. On the day in which he is to spend an hour in adoring and honoring it, or on any i day of that week, and under the same eon- V^dition of confession and communion. 3. Once, likewise, every month ; provided . he pray devoutly one hour before the most Holy Sacrament. 4. The same indulgence is granted to- the associates, who shall confess and communi- zed by G00gle THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. Mte on any of the following days, via. : the Sunday within the Octave of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament ; the Sunday within the Octave of All-Saints ; the first Sunday of Advent; the Feast of the Epiphany; the first Sunday in Lent; Maundy-Thursday ; the first Sunday of May; on the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord ; on the 17th day of September, the Feast of St. Lam- bert. These indulgences are applicable to the suffering souls in Purgatory. 5. A plenary indulgence is granted to all the associates when they lie dangerously ilL A PRATER TO BE 8 AID BT THE MEMBERS EVERT DAT. 0 most bountifal God and Saviour 1 how happy are they, who, free from worldly con- cerns, are able to offer continually to thy Sovereign Majesty, their tribute of thanks, of homage and adoration, for that infinite mercy, by which thou remainest truly pre- sent on the altars, under the humble appear- ances of bread and wine. Thou knowest, O fjord 1 that I cannot enjoy the happiness of being always before Thy tabernacles ; but I will honor and bless Thee, as much as lies in WKj power, by uniting myself to-day to those 418 Digitized by GoOgle A CONFRATERNITY OF pkms Christians, who have associated them* selves together to praise and glorify Thee: Accept their prayers, 0 Lord! and ma^ they become likewise mine, by the society I have contracted with them, and by the anion of our hearts and desires. Amen. A PRAYER TO BE SAID AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION INTO THIS ASSOCIATION. My Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christi I, N. N., Thy unworthy servant, being moved with sentiments of sincere gratitude for the inestimable blessing bestowed on us in the most Holy Sacrament of Thy sacred Body and Blood, and with an earnest desire of offering to Thee the most perfect homage in my power, humbly beseech Thee to admit me this day into the company of Thy Ser- vants, associated together, that they may honor Thee by their perpetual and unii> terrupted adoration ; and I promise faith- fully to devote to this sacred duty and ex- ercise, and in the best manner I shall be able, one hour, from — — till — of the day of every year of my life. Grant me Thy powerful grace, that by keep- ing the divine commandments here, I ma^ be made worthy to join my adorations in heaven with those of the saints and angels Digitized by G00gle TBS BLESSED SICRAMEXYT. s tanding for ever before the throne of thy Eternal Father. Amen. ACTS TO BE MADE AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH VISIT TO THE MOST HOLT SACRA* MEET. My Lord Jesus Christ, who through thy lore for men dost remain with them day and night in this sacrament, full of mercy and lore, expecting, inviting, and receiving all who come to visit thee, I believe that thon aft present in the Sacrament of the Altar. From the abyss of my nothingness, I adore thee, and I thank thee for all the favors thon hast bestowed upon me, particularly for hav- ing given me thyself in this sacrament, for having given me for my advocate thy most holy Mother, Mary, and for having called me to visit thee in this church. I this day salute thy most loving Heart for three ends : first, in thanksgiving for this great gift; secondly, in compensation for all the injuries thon hast received from thy enemies in this sacrament; thirdly, I desire by this visit to adore thee in all places in which thou art least honored and most abandoned in the boly sacrament. My Jesus, I love thee Digitized by Google BEVOTIONS TO JESUS HI / , with \ny whole heart I am sorry for bavM hitherto offended thy infinite goodness. -J purpose, with the assistance of thy grace never more to offend thee ; and, at this mo mcnt, miserable as I am, I consecrate my Whole being to thee. I give thee my entire will, all my affections and desires, and all that I have. From this day forward do what thou pleasest with me, and with what- ever belongs to me. I only ask and desire thy holy love, the gift of final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment of thy will I beseech thee to have mercy on all the souls in Purgatory, particularly those who were most devoted to the holy sacrament, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I also recommend all poor sinners to thy mercy ; and, finally, my dear Saviour, I unite to thy tender and most loving Heart, all the senti- ments and affections of my heart, and thus united, I offer them to thy Eternal Father, and beseech him in thy name, for thy love, «o accept them. ▲ VISIT TO THE MOST HOLT SACRAMENT To visit the places in the Holy Land in which our most beloved Saviour was bora* in which he suffered and died, many Chris* turns submit to much fatigue, and expos* Digitized by GoO^lC THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. themselves to many dangers. For ns it ii not necessary to make so Tong a journey, nor to encounter so many perils. The same Lord is near us ; he dwells in the church, at the distance of a few paces from our houses* u Pilgrims,” says St. Paulinus, “ regard it as a great happiness to procure a small por- tion of dust from the stable in which Jesus was born, or from the sepulchre in which he was buried.” With what ardor, then, should we visit the most holy Sacrament, in which the same Jesus is present in person, particularly when such a visit can be made without fatigue or danger ! In one of her letters, a religious, to whom God granted a tender devotion to the blessed Eucharist, gave expression to the following seutiments : M I see numberless graces which are not given to Christians, because they do not go to this divine Sacrament. O, sacred host 1 It is in this host^that God manifests his power. This host contains all that God has ever done for us. We need not envy the blessed, for the same Lord whom they enjoy in Heaven we have on earth, with greater wonders of his love. Induce all with whom you converse to dedicate themselves entirely to the most holy Sacrament. I speak thus because this sacrament enraptures my souL Nor can I ever cease to speak of the most 14T 3y Google DEV0TI0N8 TO JE8U8 Cl holy Eucharist, in which Jesus merits so much love. I know not what to do for Jesus in the holy Sacrament.” The letter terminates thus : “ 0, ye seraphim, who sweetly bum with lore before your Lord and mine, it is not for your sake, but for mine, that the King of Heaven is present in this Sacrament. O loving angels, inflame me with your ardor, that along with you, I also may burn with love. 0, my Jesus, make me comprehend the excess of thy love for men. that at the sight of such love, the desire of loving and pleasing thee may be continually increased in my heart. I love thee, 0 most amiable Lord ; I wish always to love thee, through the sole motive of pleasing thee.” Ejaculatory Prayer . — 0 Jesus, I believe in thee, I hope in thee, I love thee, I give myself to thee. An Act jor SpirituM Communion* My Jesus, I believe that thou art present in the most holy Sacrament. I love thee above all things : I desire to receive thee into my soul. Since I cannot now receive thee sacramentally, come, at least, spiritually • An indulgence of three years and three quarantines may be gained each time a person makes a spiritual communion. (Pope Paul V. May 23d, 1006.) 148 Digitized by GoO^lC THE BLES8ED SACRAMENT. .into my heart. I embrace thee, and unite myself entirely to thee, as if thou hadst already come : do not permit me to be ever separated from thee. After each visit to the most Holy Sacrament, we should ■take a visit to some representation of our Mother Mary. \ A VI8IT* TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MART. V The Memorare, or Prayer of St. Bernard to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Remember, 0 most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known, that any one who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, and sought Thy intercession, was left unaid- ed. Inspired with this confidence, I fly un- to Thee, 0 Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To Thee I come ; before thee I stand, sin- ful and sorrowful.* 0 Mother of the Word Incarnate, despisS not my petitions, but in Thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. Ejaculatory Prayer . — I fly to thy protec- tion, 0 Sacred Mother of God ! To implore the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, recite the following prayer, which should be repeated at the end of eaeh visit: Most hqly and immaculate Virgin, to thee • Hero you may make your request^ DEVOTIONS TO JESUS IN lay Mother Mary, who art the mother of my Lord, the queen of the universe, the advo- cate, the hope, the refuge of sinners, to thee I who am the most miserable of all have re- course. I salute thee, 0 great queen ; I thank thee for all the favors thou hast hith- erto bestowed upon m^ particularly for having delivered me from hell, which I have so often deserved. I love thee, 0 most amiable lady, and, through the love which I bear thee, I promise always to serve thee, and to do all that I can to induoe others to love thee. In thee, after Jesus, I place all my hopes, all my salvation. Accept me for thy servant, 0 Mother of Mercy, and take me under thy protection ; and, since thou art so powerful before God, deliver me from all temptations, or rather obtain for me strength to conquer them till death. From thee I ask the true love of Jesus Christ; through thy intercession I hope to die a good death. 0, my Mother, through the love which thou dost bear to God, 1 implore of thee to assist me always, but particularly at the hour of my death. Do not leave me till thou seest me safe in Hea- ven, to bless thee, and to sing with thee the mercies of the Lord for all eternity. Ainem THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. Rosary of the blessed sacrament on tv BEADS. On the crow, say The Apostles’ Creed. On the large beads, say The Lord’s Prayer. On the first three small beads, say Three Hail Marys, as in the Rosary of Blessed Virgin, p. 25 . On all the other small beads, say Hail, Mary, full of g^ace, ike Lord is witi thee : blessed art tlioa amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, to whom may ail praise and than A be continually given in the most holy and most togas* Sacrament Holy Mary. Mothe* oi God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. Or on ill the small beads, say Glory / honor, and praise be to thee our Lord Jesus Christ, for ever, in the Most Holy and adorable Sacrament of the Altar. Most sweet Saviour, may thy Virgin Mo- ther and all the Saints praise and bless thee, for the many irreverences committed •gainst thee. Digitized by G00gle’ ^ DEVOTIONS TO JESUS IN And at the end of every decade, say Glory be to the Father, and to the Bon, mud to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the begin* ning, &c. INDULGENCEa rHE HOUR OF PRAYER ON HOLY THURSDAY ON CORPUS CHRISTI, AND ON OTHER THUR8 DAYS. ' Pins VIL, b r two rescripts, dated the 14th of February, 1816, and 6ih or April, 1816, granted for ever a Plenary In- dulgence to those who, in public or in private, on Holy Thursday, perform one hour's devotion in memory of the in- stitution of thi6 blessed Sacrament, and confess and receive an that day, or on any day of the fallowing week. He also granted a Plenary Indulgence to those who.’on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, perform an hour’s devotion, as above explained, and approach the holy Sacrament^ of Pen- S ce and the Blessed Eucharist Finally, an indulgence of rke hundred days, on the other Thursdays of the year, when, with contrite heart they practice said devotion. These indulgences are applicable to the relief of the holy fools suffering in Purgatory. A DEVOUT ASPIRATION TO THE MOST HOLY SA- CRAMENT. Pius VL, by a rescript of the 24th of May, 1776, granted an Indulgence of onr hundred days, once every day, to those who recite with a contrite heart the following devont Aspira- tion in honor of the most holy Eucharist Also, three hun- dred days of indulgence to those who repeat this Aspiration three Hines on any Thursday through the year, and on any d® 7 the Octave of Corpus Christi. Moreover, to those who Spall have practised it every day daring a month, he granted a ruNART Indulgence on any day at the month chosen by Digitized by GoOgle THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. fbemaelvea, provided they confess and communicate, and pi mj for the Holy Catholic Church, and for the intentions of the ; geverelgn Pontiff. May all praise and thanks be continually given to the most holy and most august Sa- crament. Pina VIL granted pob bvbb an indulgence of one mnmwsm days to the raithfhl, each time they make the aforesaid Aspira- tion, at the ringing of the Church bell for the benediction of the most blessed Sacrament, or for the sacred exposition of it, while they adore, with a contrite heart, our Lord Jesus, truly present under these sacred veils. By another decree he granted a perpetual indulgence of one hundred days, applicable to the souls in Purgatory, each time that, assisting at Mass, during the Elevation they adore Jesus in the blessed Sacrament, and recite it with a devout and eontrite heart frlBlT TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IN THE RE- POSITORY ON HOLY THURSDAY AND GOOD FRIDAY, USUALLY CALLED THE HOLY SE- PULCHRE. Pope Pius VII. granted perpetually to those who shall visit the Holy Sepulchre, and spend there a reasonable space of time in devout entertainment of the soul with Jesus, a Plb- vasy Indulgence on Holy Thursday, or Easter Sunday, pro- vided they confess and receive, and, during the visit P r av ft»f the pious intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff He also granted an indulgence often years and ten quarantines, each time they visit the Holy Sepulchre, as above, with a firm purpose of going to confession. These indulgences are applicable to the souls of the Jttthfal ^parted. Digitized by GoOgle in DEVOTIONS TO JESUS IN VISIT TO THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT Oil THURSDAY, RECITING THE PRAYER 44 LOOK DOWN, O LORD.” - By a Rescript, dated October 17th, 1796, Pope Pfttt TL granted, for ever, a Plenary Indulgence to the faithftil who* with contrite heart, confess and receive the Holy Enchartet on the first Thursday of each montli, and visit this most adorable Sacrament, exposed or reserved in the Tabernacle, and, kneel* tng, recite the following prayer (attributed to St. Cafctan), to implore the divine mercy, praying also for the Holy Catholic Church, and according to the pious intentions of the Pope. To those who, on any other Thursday, practice the eame devotion, and approach the holy Sacraments of Penance and the Blessed Eucharist, he granted an indulgence of Byn YEARS AND SEVEN QUARANTINES ; and, finally, ONE HUNDRED days of indulgence for performing it with a contrite heart, on any otherjday of the year. These indulgences are applicable to the Buffering souls in Purgatory. The following Prayer is taken from Deuteronomy and the Prophet Daniel. Look down, O Lord, from thy sanctuary, and from the high habitation of Heaven, and behold this sacred oblation which our great High Priest, thy holy Servant, : the Lord Jesus, immolates unto thee for the sins of his brethren, and be propitious to the multitude of our iniquities. Behold, the voice of the blood of Jesus, our brother, crieth to thee from the Cross ! Graciously hear, 0 Lord ; be appease^ O Lord, hearken and do. Delay not for thy own sake, my God, because thy name is invoked upon this city, and upon thy people, and do with us according to thy mercy. IM THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, 4CTS OF ADORATION OF THE MOST BLES- SED SACRAMENT. B 7 • Rescript of the 26th of August, 1814, Pins VII. »p- Hwed of the following five Acts of Adoration and Atonement tO the most blessed Sacrament, and granted, for ever, to all tlleftltbftil. an indulgence of tiirre hundred days, applicable tOtbe suffering souls in Purgatory, for reciting devoutly theea t with the devout Aspiration of the blesse